Current Molecular Medicine - Online First

Mutations in Chromodomain Helicase DNA Binding Protein 7 (CHD7) and Paired Box Gene 4 (PAX4) are critical for normal cartilage development and are implicated through their impact on chondrocyte functions. This study examines how these genetic alterations specifically modulate Tumor protein p53 (p53) expression to affect cellular proliferation and apoptosis, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets for mitigating developmental anomalies in cartilage.

Using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9), specific mutations were introduced into CHD7 and PAX4 in chondrocytes. Subsequent analyses included 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay for proliferation, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) staining for apoptosis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blot alongside co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) to evaluate expression levels and protein interactions.

Mutations in CHD7 and PAX4 resulted in decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis in chondrocytes. Notably, these mutations disrupted the interaction between the mutant proteins and p53, leading to altered expression of apoptotic regulators such as Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), indicating activation of p53-dependent apoptotic pathways.

This study elucidates the core molecular mechanism by which mutations in the CHD7 and PAX4 genes disrupt their interaction with p53, leading to aberrant activation of the p53-dependent apoptotic pathway. These findings provide a new theoretical basis and potential intervention strategies for developing p53 pathway-targeted therapies to treat related cartilage developmental disorders. Future research should focus on in vivo validation and mechanistic refinement.

The study reveals that CHD7 and PAX4 mutations exacerbate the apoptotic pathways in chondrocytes by enhancing the activity of p53, leading to decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. These findings underscore the mutations’ profound impact on cartilage cell dynamics and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting p53 to correct the cellular imbalances caused by these genetic changes in cartilage-related developmental disorders.

This study assessed the effects of the synthesized ACE inhibitory peptide LAP (Leu-Arg-Pro-Val-Ala-Ala) on cognitive impairment in hypertensive rats.

Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was initially measured in elderly patients with hypertension and cognitive impairment using western blot analysis. The effect of LAP on the ROCK pathway was studied in a human cell line with ROCK1. Sixteen-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) received intragastric LAP (500 μg/week) for eight weeks. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze test, and thoracic aorta remodeling was evaluated by determining the media/lumen ratio through immunohistochemistry. Amyloid beta (Aβ), phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and apoptotic neurons in the hippocampus were examined by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Protein expression and activation related to the ROCK pathway, including moesin, myosin light chain (MLC), and myosin phosphatase target subunit (MYPT), were analyzed in the aorta and hippocampus using western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Hypertensive patients with cognitive impairment showed increased phosphorylated/total myosin-binding subunit ratios in PBMCs, indicating higher ROCK pathway activity. In vitro, LAP reduced p-moesin levels, confirming ROCK inhibition. In vivo, oral LAP lowered blood pressure and heart rate in SHR models and improved cognitive function. LAP also reduced aortic remodeling, decreased hippocampal Aβ and p-tau deposition, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and increased neuronal survival. Mechanistically, LAP inhibited ROCK pathway activation in the aorta and hippocampus, similar to the ROCK inhibitor fasudil.

Hypertension contributes to neurodegenerative changes through the activation of the ROCK signaling pathway. The study found that the ACE inhibitory peptide LAP not only sustainably lowered blood pressure, but also inhibited the ROCK pathway, reducing hippocampal Aβ and p-tau deposition, thereby offering a dual therapeutic approach for hypertension-related cognitive impairment.

LAP alleviated hypertension-related cognitive impairment in SHR by inhibiting the hippocampal ROCK pathway, showing therapeutic potential.

Genistein is an isoflavone primarily extracted from soybeans and the Dyer’s broom (Genista tinctora L.). It has been extensively studied using various extraction methods and characterized via NMR for structural elucidation. Its pharmacological potential, mediated through interactions with multiple receptors and signalling pathways, has been validated through numerous preclinical studies globally.

To analyze the pharmaceutical profile of genistein using PASS software, we correlated it with existing literature, and evaluated its efficacy against various diseases. The study aims to explore the broad-spectrum potential of genistein as a lead compound against the various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), neurodegenerative and viral diseases.

It is a broad-spectrum drug that is effective against – cancer, heart associated diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and viral diseases. It is a potential anticancer drug that modulates apoptosis, cell cycle, metastasis, and regulates the cancer signalling pathways. Based on the compilation of reports from the literature reviews, it is effective against breast cancer (23%), neuroblastoma (12.77%), prostate and lung cancer (10.64%). Secondly, it has cardio protectant properties and supports cardiovascular health by improving endothelial function and lowering cholesterol. It is reported to be effective against cardiac dysfunction (38.46%), atherosclerosis (26.92%), and cardiotoxicity (15.39%). Thirdly, it offers various neuroprotective benefits in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's (69.84%) and Parkinson's (19.05%). Lastly, it was also reported to be effective against HSV (23.08%), HIV (23.08%) and HPV (15.39%) viral infections.

Genistein exhibits a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anticancer, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antiviral effects. It has shown notable efficacy in treating cancers such as breast, prostate, and lung, as well as neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additionally, its benefits in improving cardiovascular health and combating viral infections further support its potential as a multifunctional therapeutic agent. Although genistein has a broad pharmacological spectrum, its clinical relevance is hampered by a suboptimal pharmacokinetic profile, such as poor bioavailability, rapid systemic clearance, extensive first-pass metabolism, and low aqueous solubility, which limit its therapeutic efficacy.

This systematic review highlights genistein’s pharmacological profile, demonstrating its efficacy against various diseases and its potential as a lead candidate for drug development in oncology, cardiovascular health, and neurodegenerative therapies. Thus, underscoring its potential, Genistein can be considered a versatile therapeutic agent.

Obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Recently, emerging biomarkers, such as the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), have garnered attention for their utility in assessing visceral obesity. Bilirubin, a potent endogenous antioxidant, has been associated with protective effects against various diseases. This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum total bilirubin (STB) levels and VAI/LAP in adults.

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2003 and 2020. The calculation of VAI and LAP was performed computationally. Weighted multivariate regression models were used to explore the potential correlation between STB levels and VAI or LAP. RCS curves were used to identify the potential non-linear relationship. Moreover, subgroup analyses were conducted to examine heterogeneity across different populations.

The analysis included a cohort of 10,625 individuals aged 20 to 85 years. Both unadjusted and adjusted statistical models revealed a significant negative association between STB levels and VAI or LAP (all P< 0.001). RCS indicates that these relationships are linear. Subgroup analyses identified particularly strong associations in non-smokers aged 20-59 without hypertension/diabetes (P < 0.05).

Our study's strengths include the use of nationally representative data with appropriate weighting, comprehensive adjustment for confounding variables, and pioneering research on the link between serum bilirubin levels and visceral fat indices, which may indicate early metabolic risk markers. This finding highlights the significant role of bilirubin in body fat distribution and lipid metabolism.

This study revealed that STB was associated with VAI or LAP among the specific general American population aged 20-59 without hypertension/diabetes. Further prospective investigations are warranted to clarify the temporal relationship between STB and novel obesity indices.

Observational studies suggest the potential association between sleep traits and vertigo; however, causal evidence remains limited.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between genetically predicted sleep traits and vertigo with the Mendelian randomization (MR) method.

Instrumental variables for sleep traits (snoring, sleep duration, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, daytime napping, and chronotype) were adopted from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data of European ancestry from UK Biobank. The summary-level datasets of vertigo were retrieved from the GWAS of FinnGen. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was adopted as the main analysis.

IVW analysis revealed a significant association between genetically predicted daytime napping (OR = 1.51, 95% CI =1.08-2.12, P = 0.016) and chronotype (OR = 1.13, 95% CI =1.01-1.26, P = 0.033), both of which were associated with an increased risk of vertigo. However, we did not find evidence for a causal effect of snoring, overall sleep duration, long sleep duration, short sleep duration, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness on vertigo. No reverse causality was detected.

Our findings suggest that abnormal sleep patterns may serve as risk factors for vertigo disorders and offer opportunities for the prevention and management of vertigo disorders.

Prior studies established associations between gut microbiota and myocardial interstitial fibrosis. Nevertheless, the causal relationships and potential intermediaries remain unknown. Thus, we employed a Mendelian randomization strategy to explore whether gut microbiota causally influence myocardial interstitial fibrosis and to assess whether plasma metabolites serve as potential intermediaries in this pathway.

A two-sample Mendelian randomization approach was performed, utilizing genome-wide association studies to examine the causal relationship between gut microbiota (n= 18,340) and myocardial interstitial fibrosis (n=41,505). Additionally, an investigation was conducted to determine the potential mediation by four plasma metabolites (n=8,299) via a two-step Mendelian randomization analysis. Inverse variance weighted method was the primary method employed in Mendelian randomization, and complementary analyses were conducted alongside to enhance the robustness of the results.

Mendelian randomization analysis indicated suggestive associations of three microbial taxa with myocardial interstitial fibrosis. The most significant taxon was the genus Faecalibacterium (β [SE], -0.1272 [0.0347], P = 0.0002). Reverse Mendelian randomization analyses revealed no evidence of myocardial interstitial fibrosis affecting these three microbial taxa. In the two-step Mendelian randomization analysis involving four plasma metabolites, it was found that plasma sphingomyelin levels mediated the causal effects of genus Faecalibacterium on myocardial interstitial fibrosis (proportion mediated = 14.2%, 95% CI = 1.4-27.0%).

The study validates the causality between particular gut microbial taxa and myocardial interstitial fibrosis, and suggests that plasma sphingomyelin might mediate this association. These findings offer a novel perspective on myocardial interstitial fibrosis prevention, and underscore the significance of plasma sphingomyelin in human health and disease.

Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) is a severe and progressive complication characterized by the fibrotic obliteration of small airways, leading to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in lung transplant recipients. The pathogenesis of OB involves complex cellular processes, among which epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role. This study investigates the role of mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in promoting OB through Yes-associated protein (YAP)-dependent EMT.

Piezo1-induced signal pathway alterations, fibrosis, and EMT-related features were examined in the mouse OB model and BEAS-2B cells. The efficacy of Piezo1 in EMT and OB was explored and validated both in vitro and in vivo.

Piezo1 was found to be upregulated in OB, and pharmacological inhibition of Piezo1 effectively alleviated EMT and fibrotic deposition. Piezo1 activation stimulated the Ca2+ influx and nuclear translocation of YAP that triggered the transition of epithelial cells into a mesenchymal phenotype, which contributed to airway fibrosis and obstruction. Furthermore, inhibition of YAP or calcium chelation significantly attenuated Piezo1 activation-induced EMT and OB, indicating that YAP and Ca2+ are critical mediators in this process.

Piezo1 expression was found to be upregulated in OB, and its activation induced the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process via a YAP-dependent pathway. Piezo1 could accelerate EMT and the occlusion rate of grafts via Ca2+ influx-dependent YAP activation in OB, suggesting a direct role in facilitating EMT and subsequent fibrotic remodeling in OB.

The present results highlight that Piezo1 promotes OB through a YAP-dependent EMT pathway, suggesting Piezo1 as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating OB and potentially improving outcomes of lung transplant recipients.

This study aimed to investigate the role of JAK2 (Janus kinase 2)/STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) signaling in liver injury during severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), focusing on pancreatic elastase- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Kupffer cell (KC) activation.

A rat SAP model was established via retrograde taurocholic acid infusion into the biliopancreatic duct. Inflammatory cytokine levels and JAK2/STAT3 pathway activity were quantified in liver tissues. KCs were treated with elastase/LPS ± AG490 (JAK2 inhibitor). Proinflammatory cytokines, RNA, and protein expression were analyzed.

SAP rats exhibited elevated TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 levels in both serum and liver tissues, with JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation. AG490 administration suppressed JAK2/STAT3 activation, reduced inflammation, and alleviated liver injury. Similarly, KCs treated with elastase and LPS showed increased proinflammatory cytokine levels and JAK2/STAT3 upregulation, which were mitigated by AG490 treatment.

The findings highlighted the pivotal role of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in SAP-induced liver injury. Selective inhibition of this pathway by AG490 could reduce inflammation and protect against liver damage, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for inflammatory liver diseases.

The pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is complex, and the specific biomarkers for detecting early diagnosis and monitoring kidney function deterioration are insufficient, which affects the prognosis of patients. The complement activation in glomeruli and renal interstitium contributes to the aggravation of DKD. Several key complement proteins, such as complement factor 3 (C3), CD59, and complement factor H-related protein 2 (CFHR2) were reported to be potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis for DKD.

In the current study, we focus on CFHR2, to investigate its capability and sensitivity as a DKD biomarker. As a non-invasive detection sample, urine has the characteristic of convenient sampling. In the current study, the urine samples were collected from three groups: diabetic patients without albuminuria, with micro-albuminuria, and macroalbuminuria, to analyze whether CFHR2 was associated with albuminuria concentration and declined renal function. Meanwhile, the urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and C3 were also examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to compare with CFHR2 to determine whether CFHR2 had an advantage in predicting the early detection and progression of DKD. The Spearman correlation analysis was performed for the correlation analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy.

CFHR2 had superior diagnostic power to predict the early occurrence of DKD and disease progression, compared with NGAL, microalbumin, and C3 in urine.

CFHR2 has satisfactory potential to be a biomarker for early diagnosis and risk of progression of DKD.

The antiviral effects of type I interferons [IFNs] on respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]-infected airway epithelial cells have been identified. We aim to further reveal the mechanism of stat3 and kruppel-associated box-associated protein 1 [KAP1] in RSV-infected airway epithelial cells.

Using the A549 cell line, we investigated the impact of RSV infection, KAP1 overexpression, and stat3 inhibition with Stattic. Cell counting kit 8 assay was used to determine the viability, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, IFN-α, and IFN-β. Viral replication was tested via plaque assay. Meanwhile, quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or/and western blot were applied to measure the expressions of p-stat3 and KAP1 in the cells.

RSV infection repressed the viability, upregulated p-stat3 and KAP1 expressions, elevated levels of inflammation-related factors [IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β], and type I IFN immune response-associated factors [IFN-α, IFN-β], and promoted viral replication in A549 cells. Stattic attenuated the promoting effect of RSV on inflammation-related factors and viral replication, but enhanced its impact on IFN-α and IFN-β levels in the cells. More importantly, KAP1 overexpression reversed the effects of Stattic on viability, inflammation [IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β], type I IFN immune response [IFN-α, IFN-β], and viral replication in RSV-infected A549 cells.

Our findings unveil the pivotal role of stat3 inhibition in potentiating type I IFN-mediated antiviral responses against RSV in lung epithelial cells, revealing KAP1 as a potential therapeutic target for combating respiratory viral infections.

Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most common malignancies and the third cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs and long ncRNAs, can contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of GC and therefore could be its potent diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The aim of our work was to estimate the expression of PROX1-AS1 (Prospero Homeobox 1 Antisense RNA 1) and miR-647 (microRNA-647) in GC and investigate their potential interaction and clinical significance.

The study included tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues from 110 GC patients and plasma samples from 65 GC patients; 38 sectional normal gastric tissue samples and 49 plasma samples of healthy donors were included as controls. Expression levels of both ncRNAs were quantified in all samples by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and their possible correlations with the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients were analyzed. A potential inverse correlation between PROХ1-AS1 and miR-647 expression was addressed by in vitro experiments in a panel of cancer cell lines.

The expression of PROX1-AS1 and miR-647 was not significantly different in tissues of GC patients and sectional normal gastric tissue samples. However, they have demonstrated a negative correlation both in the tumor and the adjacent non-tumor tissue of GC patients. PROX1-AS1 expression was significantly decreased in GC tissues, whereas the miR-647 expression was increased. The expression of the ncRNAs was associated with clinical and pathological characteristics of GC patients. The overexpression of miR-647 led to a significant decrease in PROX1-AS1 expression in five cancer cell lines, including the GC cell line SNU-1.

We have demonstrated a negative correlation between PROX1-AS1 and miR-647 in both GC tissues and the cancer cell lines. In addition, expression of both ncRNAs was associated with the primary tumor size. Therefore, these ncRNAs might have potential prognostic value.

The relationship between heavy metals, particularly lead (Pb), and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains unclear, especially regarding exposure thresholds. This study investigates the association between blood Pb levels and DKD risk using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018.

A total of 1,343 participants were included, with 508 diagnosed with DKD. Baseline characteristics were compared between DKD and non-DKD groups. Multivariate generalized linear models (GLMs) and weighted logistic regression were used to assess correlations between blood Pb levels and DKD risk. A nomogram was developed to evaluate the predictive power of significant clinical characteristics.

Key clinical characteristics, including age, marital status, and serum Pb levels, differed significantly between DKD and non-DKD groups. Serum Pb was identified as a significant risk factor (ORs: 1.18–1.39, p < 0.01). The nomogram demonstrated good predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.717).

Elevated blood Pb levels are significantly associated with DKD, with a non-linear relationship and a defined threshold. These findings highlight the potential role of Pb exposure in DKD pathogenesis and suggest the utility of blood Pb monitoring in diabetic patients.

Chromobox 7 (CBX7) has been implicated in the progression of various malignant tumors, but its clinical relevance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the expression, prognostic value, biological functions, and immunological role of CBX7 in LUAD.

CBX7 expression in LUAD and adjacent normal tissues was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox risk regression evaluated prognostic significance. Various algorithms assessed the correlation between CBX7 and immune micro-environment. The expression of CBX7 in LUAD tissues was detected by RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The function of CBX7 in LUAD was further investigated by in vitro and in vivo experiments.

CBX7 expression significantly downregulated LUAD, which was associated with aberrant DNA methylation. Decreased CBX7 expression correlated with advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis. Notably, CBX7 is associated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints, highlighting its potential role in guiding immunotherapy. Functional experiments demonstrated that CBX7 overexpression suppressed the malignant phenotype of LUAD cells, while CBX7 knockdown promoted tumor progression.

We conducted a systematic analysis of the diagnostic, prognostic, and immunological significance of CBX7 in LUAD, and found that it might serve as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in the future.

Alternative splicing (AS) events significantly affect melanoma progression. Therefore, understanding their effect on prognosis is important for developing new treatments.

Univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression were carried out to identify key AS events, build an AS risk model, and classify sample risk levels. Pearson correlation analysis was also performed to analyze the relationship between AS events and RNA-binding protein (RBP) genes or indicators of immune infiltration. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using gene expression data from patients with varying risk levels. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were also carried out to examine the association between immune cell infiltration and prognosis.

A total of 41446 AS events were identified; among them, 446 AS events were identified as significantly associated with melanoma prognosis. An AS risk model for prognosis was established using seven key AS events. A close correlation was found between 137 AS events and 1013 RBP genes, suggesting that these genes may participate in the regulation of AS events. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the genes involved in AS were closely associated with immune system functions, which may explain why AS events affect the prognosis of melanoma. Finally, by combining the AS risk score and clinical indicators, we developed a nomogram model that could effectively predict melanoma prognosis.

This analysis of AS events and regulation may aid in developing novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for melanoma.

Platinum-based drugs like cisplatin are key in treating ovarian cancer, but resistance frequently leads to treatment failure. The TGF-β1/β-catenin signaling pathway has been implicated in tumor resistance. This study investigates whether hyperthermiaenhances ovarian cancer cell sensitivity to platinum-based drugs by activating the TGF-β1/β-catenin pathway.

In vitro and in vivo models of ovarian cancer were treated with hyperthermia and cisplatin. Changes in TGF-β1 and β-catenin expression were measured using Western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and cell viability assays to determine the impact of hyperthermia on drug sensitivity.

Hyperthermia significantly reduced TGF-β1 and β-catenin expression in ovarian cancer cells and tumor tissues, suppressing the pathway. This led to increased cisplatin sensitivity and higher apoptosis rates in vitro, while in vivo, tumor growth was significantly suppressed, and cisplatin's antitumor effects were enhanced.

Hyperthermia boosts the effectiveness of platinum-based drugs in ovarian cancer by suppressing the TGF-β1/β-catenin pathway, presenting a potential strategy to overcome chemoresistance and improve patient outcomes.

The prognosis of patients with stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) shows significant variations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of key regulatory proteins in glycolysis and lipid metabolism for the prognostic evaluation of stage III CRC patients.

Utilizing the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we analyzed the expression of various key regulatory genes in glycolysis and lipid metabolism pathways in CRC, as well as the relationship between gene expression levels and overall survival. We selected the top two key genes exhibiting differential expression patterns in glycolysis and lipid metabolism, namely, glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), as targets for subsequent exploration. We analyzed the effects of GLUT1, PKM2, FASN, and SCD1 on the proliferation, migration, and drug sensitivity of CRC cells in vitro. These proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the clinical tissues of stage III CRC patients. Based on the intensity of IHC staining for GLUT1, PKM2, FASN and SCD1, the cumulative score from these 4 target proteins for each sample was calculated (score range from 0 to 8). The relationships between high (scores of 6-8) or low (scores of 0-5) expression of glycolysis and lipid metabolism molecules and the clinicopathological characteristics, and survival of patients were analyzed.

The expression disparities of the GLUT1, PKM2, FASN, and SCD1 genes were the most prominent between tumor and normal tissues. Overexpression of GLUT1, PKM2, FASN, or SCD1 significantly promoted CRC cell growth and migration, as evidenced by CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays. Exogenous introduction of GLUT1, PKM2, FASN, or SCD1 increased oxaliplatin IC50 values, enhanced cell survival, and reduced early apoptosis in CRC cells exposed to oxaliplatin. High glycolysis and lipid metabolism status were associated with poor tumor differentiation, vascular or nerve invasion, and shorter overall survival. The status of glycolysis and lipid metabolism was an independent prognostic factor for stage III CRC patients.

High glycolysis and lipid metabolism status are correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with stage III colorectal cancer.

This study aimed to examine the molecular mechanisms involved in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) A549 cells.

Proteins were extracted from cultured human LUAD A549 cells cultured under two conditions: untreated and treated with TGF-β (5 ng/ml) for 48 hours. The expression levels of EMT-related proteins, including E-cadherin, Vimentin, and α-smooth muscle actin, were assessed using western blotting. Proteomic analysis was performed using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification combined with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Differentially expressed proteins were subjected to bioinformatics analysis, including functional annotation and interaction network studies.

A total of 122 proteins were identified as differentially expressed between the untreated and TGF-β-treated A549 cells. Of these, 55 proteins were upregulated, while 67 were downregulated following TGF-β treatment. Bioinformatics and interaction network analyses highlighted six proteins—GAPDH, TP53, MAPK1, IGF1, SRC, and MYC—as being closely associated with the EMT in human LUAD.

This study provides new insights into the processes of invasion and metastasis in LUAD by examining the molecular mechanisms underlying TGF-β-induced EMT in A549 cells.

Hippo signaling regulates the behavior and fate of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are crucial for the repair and cure of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, whether 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a specific activator of Hippo signaling, would further enhance the reparative effect of MSCs in ARDS remains unclarified.

This study aimed to determine whether 2-DG could promote the proliferation, differentiation, migration, and resistance to oxidative stress of mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs (mBMSCs).

mBMSCs were isolated from C57BL/6 mice and differentiated into alveolar type II epithelial (ATII) cells by noncontact coculture. The specific activator and inhibitor 2-DG and 4-[(5,10-dimethyl-6-Oxo-6,10-dihydro-5h-pyrimido[5,4-B]thieno[3,2-E][1,4]diazepin-2-Yl)amino]benzenesulfonamide (XMU-MP-1) were used to activate and inhibit Hippo signaling, respectively. Oxidative stress-induced injuries were induced by H2O2 treatment.

We observed that 2-DG activated Hippo signaling and promoted mBMSC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. 2-DG also promoted the differentiation of mBMSCs into ATII cells and enhanced not only the horizontal and vertical migration of mBMSCs but also mBMSC homing to injured lung tissue. H2O2 treatment inhibited Hippo signaling and reduced the viability of mBMSCs by decreasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, but 2-DG activated Hippo signaling and conferred mBMSCs with resistance to oxidative stress by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. However, XMU-MP-1 suppressed these effects to some extent.

Through Hippo signaling, 2-DG promoted the proliferation, migration, differentiation, and resistance to oxidative stress of mBMSCs, suggesting a novel strategy for enhancing the reparative effects of MSCs in ARDS.

Esophageal Cancer (EC) is a commonly occurring cancer of the digestive tract. The bismuth compounds from thiosemicarbazones have been observed to be active against cancer cells. However, a synthetic nine-coordinate bismuth (III) complex (complex 1) has never been assessed so far for its anticancer in the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line (EC109).

This study aimed to investigate the apoptosis effect of a complex1 in the EC109 cells.

EC109 cells were treated with complex1. The MTT assay was employed to assess the viability of EC109 cells; the changes in apoptotic and morphological characteristics, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were examined. The expression levels of proteins associated with apoptosis were assessed using western blotting.

Complex1 was found to inhibit the growth of EC109 cells, exhibiting an IC50 of 0.654 μM through apoptosis depends upon complexation with bismuth(III). In addition, cells exposed to complex1 exhibited a significant increase in the level of intracellular ROS through the suppression of the antioxidant system and caused a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP). Co-treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine(NAC), an antioxidant agent prevented accumulation of ROS and cell death. Complex1 also led to enhanced Bax expression, and reduced Bcl-2 expression in EC109 cells, thereby enhancing caspase-3/9 activity.

Our study confirmed that complex1 induced apoptosis via enhancing the generation of ROS along with a decline in levels of antioxidant enzymes, subsequently causing MMP loss.

Previous studies have suggested that gut microbiota and immune system regulation have potential links with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the causal association between gut microbiota and T2D and whether immune cells mediate this interaction is unclear.

A two-sample, two-step Mendelian randomization (MR) study utilizing an initial inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was performed to explore the causal impact of gut microbiota on T2D and the intermediary role of immune cells.

The MR analysis assigned 4 gut microbiota and metabolic pathways that increase the risk of T2D (G_Prevotella, g_Anaerotruncus, g_Streptococcus.s_Streptococcus_parasanguinis, and the pathway of PANTO-PWY) and other 4 gut microbiota and metabolic pathways that have a protective effect against T2D (PWY-5667, PWY-6892, PWY-7221, and the bacterial g_Paraprevotella.s_Paraprevotella_clara). Furthermore, 17 immune cell traits were identified as associated with T2D. The finding from mediation MR analysis revealed that PANTO-PWY increases T2D risk via CD3 on HLA DR+ CD4+, whereas PWY-7221 reduces T2D risk through CD4 on CD4 Treg.

The research reveals a mediated causal link between the gut microbiota and T2D via immune cells.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of AF, but the causal relationship between specific inflammatory proteins and AF risk is not well established. This study aims to clarify this relationship using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (TSMR) approach.

Employing a bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) method, we analyzed genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs) to investigate the influence of 91 circulating inflammatory proteins on AF risk. This approach allowed us to assess the potential causal effects of inflammatory proteins on AF and vice versa, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of the bidirectional nature of their relationship.

Seven inflammatory proteins were significantly associated with AF risk. Three proteins increased the risk: Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 (FGF-5) with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.0743 (95% CI: 1.0466-1.1027, p=7.41E-08), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) with an OR of 1.0832 (95% CI: 1.0261-1.1434, p=0.0038), and Interleukin-2 Receptor Subunit Beta (IL-2RB) with an OR of 1.0814 (95% CI: 1.0151-1.1519, p=0.0153). Four proteins showed a protective effect: CD40 Ligand Receptor (CD40) with an OR of 0.9671 (95% CI: 0.9392-0.9959, p=0.0254), Fms-related Tyrosine Kinase 3 Ligand (FIt3L) with an OR of 0.9553 (95% CI: 0.9173-0.9949, p=0.0274), Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor (LIF-R) with an OR of 0.9254 (95% CI: 0.8678-0.9868, p=0.0181), and Sulfotransferase 1A1 (ST1A1) with an OR of 0.9461 (95% CI: 0.9097-0.9839, p=0.0056). The reverse MR analysis revealed no significant effects of AF on the levels of these inflammatory proteins, suggesting a unidirectional causality from proteins to AF.

This bidirectional MR study provides robust evidence for a causal relationship between specific inflammatory proteins and AF risk. The identified proteins could serve as potential biomarkers for AF risk stratification and targets for therapeutic intervention, offering new insights into the pathophysiology of AF and avenues for future research.

Paired box 9 (PAX9) has been linked to several human disorders; however, its relevance in Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unknown.

The difference in PAX9 mRNA expression in pan-cancer was analyzed utilizing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and the level of PAX9 protein expression across various types of cancer was assessed utilizing the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) and UALCAN databases, as well as the cellular localization of PAX9. UALCAN studied the methylation levels of PAX9 in pan-cancer. The predictive significance of PAX9 in pan-cancer was assessed utilizing the Kaplan-Meier Plotter website. Functional enrichment analysis was carried out with the “cluster Profiler” program. By employing CCK8 and colony formation methods, the influence of PAX9 on the growth of HNSCC cells was evaluated. By conducting a transwell experiment, we assessed the influence of PAX9 on the migration of HNSCC cells. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of Bax and Bcl-2, two proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis. A nude mouse model was established to study the impact of PAX9 overexpression on the growth of subcutaneous HNSCC tumors.

In HNSCC, the expression of PAX9 was found to be low, while levels of promoter methylation rose considerably. Low PAX9 expression has been linked to a decrease in overall survival (OS) rates among individuals with HNSCC. Furthermore, overexpressing the PAX9 gene decreased HNSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while boosting apoptosis rates.

The abnormal expression of PAX9 is linked to various cancers. In HNSCC, PAX9 is a potential tumor suppressor, inhibiting tumor invasion and migration. The results reveal a potentially significant new therapeutic target for HNSCC.

The activation of the complement system is accompanied by the occurrence and development of preeclampsia, as well as kidney diseases. Here, the role of complement C3 [C3] in renal injury in preeclampsia was explored, and its potential application as an early diagnostic biomarker or drug target to ameliorate kidney injury induced by preeclampsia was preliminarily evaluated.

A total of 48 subjects were included in the present study, and the complement C3 levels and renal function were analyzed.

Patients with preeclampsia with severe features [sPe] had poorer renal function compared with the patients with preeclampsia. Urinary C3 levels could be used to distinguish between healthy controls, patients with preeclampsia, and patients with sPe. Increased renal inflammation and oxidative stress were notably increased in the preeclampsia mice with impaired renal function and attenuation of C3 activity using a C3 receptor antagonist, which reduced Pe-like symptoms and renal impairment, decreased serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and urinary albumin levels, and decreased expression of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde, whilst increasing superoxide dismutase activity. In addition, activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 ([HO-1) pathway was involved in the inhibition of complement C3 in the kidney.

Higher urinary C3 levels could be used to predict kidney damage in preeclampsia, and inhibition of C3 activity might ameliorate the renal impairment in preeclampsia through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Gastric cancer is a major global cause of cancer-related deaths, necessitating investigation into Matrix Metalloproteinases’ (MMPs) diagnostic and prognostic value. Our study aimed to analyze their significance in gastric cancer.

We evaluated MMP family genes' mRNA and protein expression using the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UALCAN) and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases. Then, we analyzed the relationship between their mRNA expression and gastric cancer staging and survival using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Kaplan–Meier plotter. Furthermore, we assessed this family’s gene mutation rates in gastric cancer patients using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interaction Genes/Proteins (STRING) and explored potential pathways and mechanisms via Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), cBioPortal, and R. Finally, we established a predictive model for gastric cancer based on these analyses to understand these genes’ roles in cancer.

Our findings revealed significantly upregulated mRNA expression of MMP1/2/3/7/9/10/11/12/13/14 in gastric cancer tissues (p<0.05). Higher levels of MMP2/7/10-encoded proteins (middle or high) were observed in tumor tissues, with MMP2/11/14 closely associated with different cancer stages (p<0.05). Additionally, MMP2/7/11/14/20 mRNA levels correlated with short-term overall survival (about 20 months), while MMP1/3/9/12/13 expression was associated with favorable overall survival (about 30 months). Gastric cancer patients exhibited a 21% mutation rate of MMP family genes, which correlated with favorable overall survival. Enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction results underscored the close association of MMPs with gastric cancer development. The MMP2 model demonstrated a significant decline in survival rates for the high expression group, with a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 1.78 (95% CI 1.47-2.16) and a log-rank P value of 2.9e-09. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Univariate Cox regression identified MMP2 as a risk factor for gastric cancer patients.

Our findings highlighted MMPs' essential role in gastric cancer progression, impacting patient survival. MMP2 emerged as a promising target for gastric carcinoma detection and treatment.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver condition worldwide, and the statistics show that men have a higher incidence and prevalence than women, but its toxicological mechanism is not completely clear. This research is intended to explore the role of BaP in NAFLD and to study how the environmental pollutant BaP influences the AHR/ERα axis to mediate the progression of NAFLD.

In this study, we established NAFLD models in vivo and in vitro by treating HepG2 cells with a high-fat diet and Oleic acid (OA) in C57BL/6J mice. Liver injury indexes ALT, AST, and lipid metabolism indexes TG and TC were evaluated to verify the success of modeling. Then, the model was treated with BaP, and the mRNA and protein expressions of CYP1A1, ERα, and SREBP-1c were evaluated by RT-PCR and WB, and the changes of liver fat were evaluated by HE and oil red O staining. Next, BaP was added into the cells treated with or without estradiol (E2), and the lipid metabolism in the cells was evaluated by oil red O staining, and whether the above levels of CYP1A1, ERα and SREBP-1c were changed.

Our results show that after exposure to BaP, ERα protein levels in mice and cells are inhibited, mRNA and protein levels of SREBP-1c are reduced, and lipid metabolism processes are obstructed. The addition of E2 can reduce the increase of SREBP-1c mRNA and protein expression induced by OA, and reduce the deposition of lipids in cells. However, BaP treatment can weaken the action of E2 and destroy the protection of E2 in cells.

The results showed that E2 could reduce SREBP-1c mRNA and protein levels. BaP can stimulate AHR, leading to the degradation of ERα protein, reducing the binding of E2 to ERα, and aggravating the progression of NAFLD. This reveals the toxicological mechanism by which environmental pollutant BaP influences E2 to mediate NAFLD, and provides strong evidence for differences in NAFLD between the sexes.

Keloid formation is characterized by excessive production of extracellular matrix, leading to dysregulated fibroproliferative collagen response. N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A) modification plays an essential role in this process.

Our objective in this study was to explore the mechanism of m6A methyltransferase KIAA1429 in keloid formation.

We examined the impact of m6A methyltransferase KIAA1429 on keloid formation using qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, Transwell migration assay, and MeRIP-qPCR.

KIAA1429 was downregulated in keloid tissue. Overexpression of KIAA1429 suppressed fibroblast migration and reduced COL1A1 and α-SMA levels. Conversely, the knockdown of KIAA1429 promoted fibroblast migration and COL1A1 and α-SMA levels. Additionally, overexpression of KIAA1429 inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Mechanistic experiments suggested that KIAA1429 regulated TGF-β1 m6A modification, maintained TGF-β1 mRNA stability, and participated in the regulation of keloid formation. Furthermore, TGF-β1 could reverse the effects of KIAA1429 overexpression on fibroblast migration and collagen deposition.

Taken together, our study suggested that KIAA1429 promoted keloid formation through the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, providing new insights for the treatment of keloid.

Endometriosis (EM) is a gynecological disease characterized by the benign growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Upregulation of neuronally expressed developmentally downregulated 4 (NEDD4) has been reported to accelerate endometrial cancer progression.

We explored whether abnormal expression of NEDD4 is correlated with EM.

Endometrial tissue in patients without endometriosis was used to develop the original generation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Different types of endometrial tissue of patients with endometriosis were used to measure the expression of NEDD4 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting. Its biological functions in ESCs were investigated using a cell counting kit-8 assay, fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining, and Transwell invasion assays. Additionally, its involvement in ferroptosis was assessed by measuring Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the expression of ferroptosis markers.

Compared with normal controls, NEDD4 levels were significantly elevated in the endometrial tissue of patients with EM. Furthermore, NEDD4 expression was higher in the ectopic endometrium than in the eutopic endometrium. NEDD4 knockdown reduced the viability and invasive capacity of ESCs, increased Fe2+, MDA, and ROS levels, and decreased GSH content. Further analysis revealed that NEDD4 knockdown promoted ferroptosis in ESCs by increasing the expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). As an E3 ubiquitin ligase, NEDD4 reduced PTGS2 protein levels by accelerating its ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation.

These findings suggest that inhibiting NEDD4 reduces ESC growth and invasion in EM by regulating PTGS2-dependent ferroptosis.

Currently, Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) is considered a kind of rare neuroendocrine tumor, and molecular-targeted drugs have previously been used for MTC treatment.

However, the prognosis of MTC patients is still not significant. In the present work, we aimed to explore the antitumor activity of the molecularly targeted drug anlotinib in combination with radiofrequency ablation on MTC.

The targets of anlotinib were clearly expressed in MTC tissue specimens, and the expression level of these factors was much higher in MTC clinical specimens than in nontumor tissues. At the same time, anlotinib or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) showed clear antitumor activity against the MTC cell line TT (TT cells) and the tumor tissue it formed. Anlotinib, in combination with RFA, significantly increased the antitumor activity of RFA.

These results indicated that the combination of anlotinib with radiofrequency ablation could be a promising therapeutic strategy for MTC treatment.

High morbidity, high mortality and poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies against ESCC. The current study addresses the precise role of M2-like macrophages-derived CCL17 in ESCC progression and to thoroughly elucidate the intrinsic molecular mechanisms.

In this work, for functional experiments, Eca109 cells cultivated in M2-CM were treated with anti-IgG (50 µg/ml) or anti-CCL17 (50 µg/ml) to expound the tumor-promoting effects of M2-like macrophage-derived CCL17 in ESCC. Moreover, for rescue experiments, Eca109 cells were treated with CCL17 (50 ng/ml) and/or CCR4 antagonist AZD2098 (20 µM) to probe whether CCL17 could influence the malignant behaviors including migration, invasion and stemness of ESCC cells via activating CCR4/ERK/PD-L1 pathway.

Markedly enhanced CCL17 secretion was observed in M2-like macrophages. CCL17 bound to CCR4 to activate ERK/PD-L1 signaling. M2-like macrophages-derived CCL17 facilitated ESCC cell migration and invasion and enhanced stemness characteristics of ESCC cells, which were partially reserved by AZD2098 treatment. The tumor-promoting effects of M2-like macrophages-derived CCL17 on ECSS was depended on the activation of CCR4/ERK/PD-L1 pathway.

To conclude, M2-like macrophages-derived CCL17 could facilitate ESCC cell migration and invasion and enhance stemness characteristics of ESCC cells via activating CCR4/ERK/PD-L1 signaling.