Integrative Molecular Phenotyping
INTEGRATIVE MOLECULAR
PHENOTYPING
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY

PubMed

Untargeted metabolomics reveals the mechanism of amantadine toxicity on Laminaria japonica

Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:00
Front Physiol. 2024 Jul 24;15:1448259. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1448259. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTThe antiviral agent amantadine is frequently detected in seawater and marine organisms. Because of increasing concentrations, amantadine has become a contaminant of emerging concern. This compound has toxic effects on the brown algae Laminaria japonica. The effects of amantadine on the biological processes of L. japonica and the corresponding toxic mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, amantadine toxicity on L. japonica was investigated using histopathological and physiological characteristics combined with metabolomics analysis. Changes in metabolites were determined by untargeted metabolomics after exposure to 107 ng/L amantadine for 72 h. The catalase activity in the exposure group slightly increased, whereas the superoxide dismutase activity greatly decreased. An increase in the malondialdehyde concentration was observed after amantadine exposure, which suggested that lipid peroxidation and cell damage occurred. Metabolomics analysis showed that there were 406 differentially expressed metabolites after amantadine exposure. These were mainly phospholipids, amino acids, purines, and their derivatives. Inhibition of the glycerophospholipid metabolism affected the lipid bilayer and cell structure, which was aligned with changes in histological observation. Changes in amino acids led to perturbation of protein synthesis and induced oxidative stress through interference with glutathione metabolism and tyrosine metabolism. Amantadine also interfered with energy metabolism in L. japonica by disturbing the tricarboxylic acid cycle and purine metabolism. The results of this study provide new insights into the mechanism of amantadine toxicity on L. japonica.PMID:39113936 | PMC:PMC11303324 | DOI:10.3389/fphys.2024.1448259

Application of ATR-FTIR and FT-NIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics for species identification and quality prediction of boletes

Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:00
Food Chem X. 2024 Jul 15;23:101661. doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101661. eCollection 2024 Oct 30.ABSTRACTThe taste and aroma of edible mushrooms, which is a criterion of judgment for consumer purchases, are influenced by amino acids and their metabolites. Sixty-eight amino acids and their metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and 16 critical marker components were screened. The chemical composition of different species of boletes was characterized by two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) to determine the sequence of molecular vibrations or group changes. Identification of boletes species based on partial least squares discrimination (PLS-DA) combined with Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), residual convolutional neural network (ResNet) combined with three-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (3DCOS) was performed with 100% accuracy. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis showed that FT-NIR and ATR-FTIR spectra were highly correlated with the amino acids and their metabolites detected by LC-MS. All models had achieved an R2p of 0.911 and an RPD >3.0. The results show that FT-NIR and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics methods can be used for rapid species identification and estimation of amino acids and their metabolites content in boletes. This study provides new techniques and ideas for the authenticity of species information and the quality assessment of boletes.PMID:39113735 | PMC:PMC11304868 | DOI:10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101661

Catalpol attenuates hepatic glucose metabolism disorder and oxidative stress in triptolide-induced liver injury by regulating the SIRT1/HIF-1α pathway

Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:00
Int J Biol Sci. 2024 Aug 1;20(10):4077-4097. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.97362. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTTriptolide (TP), known for its effectiveness in treating various rheumatoid diseases, is also associated with significant hepatotoxicity risks. This study explored Catalpol (CAT), an iridoid glycoside with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, as a potential defense against TP-induced liver damage. In vivo and in vitro models of liver injury were established using TP in combination with different concentrations of CAT. Metabolomics analyses were conducted to assess energy metabolism in mouse livers. Additionally, a Seahorse XF Analyzer was employed to measure glycolysis rate, mitochondrial respiratory functionality, and real-time ATP generation rate in AML12 cells. The study also examined the expression of proteins related to glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Using both in vitro SIRT1 knockout/overexpression and in vivo liver-specific SIRT1 knockout models, we confirmed SIRT1 as a mechanism of action for CAT. Our findings revealed that CAT could alleviate TP-induced liver injury by activating SIRT1, which inhibited lysine acetylation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), thereby restoring the balance between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. This action improved mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced glucose metabolism disorder and oxidative stress caused by TP. Taken together, these insights unveil a hitherto undocumented mechanism by which CAT ameliorates TP-induced liver injury, positioning it as a potential therapeutic agent for managing TP-induced hepatotoxicity.PMID:39113710 | PMC:PMC11302874 | DOI:10.7150/ijbs.97362

<em>Helicobacter pylori</em> promotes gastric cancer through CagA-mediated mitochondrial cholesterol accumulation by targeting CYP11A1 redistribution

Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:00
Int J Biol Sci. 2024 Jul 15;20(10):4007-4028. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.96425. eCollection 2024.ABSTRACTCholesterol and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are both risk factors for gastric cancer (GC). However, the relationship between cholesterol and H. pylori and their function in the progression of GC are controversial. In this study, we addressed that H. pylori could induce mitochondrial cholesterol accumulation and promote GC proliferation and protect GC cells against apoptosis via cholesterol. Metabolomic and transcriptomic sequencing were used to identify CYP11A1 responsible for H. pylori-induced cholesterol accumulation. In vitro and in vivo function experiments revealed that cholesterol could promote the proliferation of GC and inhibit apoptosis. Mechanically, the interaction of Cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) and CYP11A1 redistributed mitochondrial CYP11A1 outside the mitochondria and subsequently caused mitochondrial cholesterol accumulation. The CYP11A1-knockdown upregulated cholesterol accumulation and reproduced the effect of cholesterol on GC in a cholesterol-dependent manner. Moreover, CYP11A1-knockdown or H. pylori infection inhibited mitophagy and maintained the mitochondria homeostasis. H. pylori could contribute to the progression of GC through the CagA/CYP11A1-mitoCHO axis. This study demonstrates that H. pylori can contribute to the progression of GC via cholesterol, and eradicating H. pylori is still prognostically beneficial to GC patients.PMID:39113698 | PMC:PMC11302876 | DOI:10.7150/ijbs.96425

Nucleotide sugars correlate with leukocyte telomere length as part of a dyskeratosis congenita metabolomic plasma signature

Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:00
Haematologica. 2024 Aug 8. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2023.284721. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTNot available.PMID:39113664 | DOI:10.3324/haematol.2023.284721

Assessment of cardiotoxicity induced by PFOS exposure and mechanism research via untarget metabolomics

Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:00
Drug Chem Toxicol. 2024 Aug 8:1-11. doi: 10.1080/01480545.2024.2387807. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPerfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), widely used in various industrial and commercial materials, can accumulate in the human body due to its high environmental stability, and thus potentially has cardiotoxicity. We assess cardiotoxicity through rat exposure to PFOS by intraperitoneal injection. Untargeted metabolomic analysis was used to explore the potential cardiotoxicity mechanism of PFOS. In vivo, PFOS exposure increases pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β and decreases anti-inflammatory factors IL-10 and TGF-β. PFOS exposure causes pathological changes in cardiac tissue and increases cardiac injury markers brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum and triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and ox-LDL in plasma. Increased expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and CD36 indicates that PFOS exacerbates cardiac fibrosis. Untargeted metabolites analysis revealed 414 small molecule metabolites and 33 metabolites that differed after PFOS exposure, and identified 3 potential metabolic pathways. In conclusion, our study shows the inflammatory reactions involved in PFOS cardiotoxicity, and identifies potential pathways and differential metabolites involved in PFOS toxicity.PMID:39113645 | DOI:10.1080/01480545.2024.2387807

Nanotopography Influences Host-Pathogen Quorum Sensing and Facilitates Selection of Bioactive Metabolites in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> Co-Cultures

Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:00
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2024 Aug 8. doi: 10.1021/acsami.4c09291. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTOrthopedic implant-related bacterial infections and resultant antibiotic-resistant biofilms hinder implant-tissue integration and failure. Biofilm quorum sensing (QS) communication determines the pathogen colonization success. However, it remains unclear how implant modifications and host cells are influenced by, or influence, QS. High aspect ratio nanotopographies have shown to reduce biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a sepsis causing pathogen with well-defined QS molecules. Producing such nanotopographies in relevant orthopedic materials (i.e., titanium) allows for probing QS using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. However, nanotopographies can reduce host cell adhesion and regeneration. Therefore, we developed a polymer (poly(ethyl acrylate), PEA) coating that organizes extracellular matrix proteins, promoting bioactivity to host cells such as human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs), maintaining biofilm reduction. This allowed us to investigate how hMSCs, after winning the race for the surface against pathogenic cells, interact with the biofilm. Our approach revealed that nanotopographies reduced major virulence pathways, such as LasR. The enhanced hMSCs support provided by the coated nanotopographies was shown to suppress virulence pathways and biofilm formation. Finally, we selected bioactive metabolites and demonstrated that these could be used as adjuncts to the nanostructured surfaces to reduce biofilm formation and enhance hMSC activity. These surfaces make excellent models to study hMSC-pathogen interactions and could be envisaged for use in novel orthopedic implants.PMID:39113638 | DOI:10.1021/acsami.4c09291

Screening for Early Biomarkers of Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rats Through Serum Metabolomics Technology

Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:00
J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2024 Aug;34(8):936-941. doi: 10.29271/jcpsp.2024.08.936.ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: To systematically identify early biomarkers of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats.STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Experimental Animal Laboratory of Lanzhou University, Gansu, China, and the Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu, China, from July 2022 to October 2023.METHODOLOGY: In this study, an AKI model was established by continuously injecting cisplatin into rats at a dose of 1 mg/kg once a day for control group and for 2, 3, 4, and 5 days to other four groups, respectively. Subsequently, rat plasma samples were collected for metabolomics analysis to identify early differentiated metabolites in the plasma prior to creatinine elevation. Furthermore, accurate HPLC-MS/MS methods were developed to validate the biomarker variation in other AKI models.RESULTS: The occurrence of time-dependent renal cortical injury and significant alterations of creatinine (Cr) concentration were observed on day-4 and 5, which demonstrated successful model construction. Sixty-six compounds changed on Day-2 while 61 compounds changed on Day-3. Eleven compounds with variable importance in projection (VIP) >1.5 and false discover rate (FDR) <0.2 were selected and identified by HPLC-MS/MS. Among these, N-acetylglutamine and citramalic acid changed earlier than serum creatinine (sCr) in the AKI model.CONCLUSION: N-acetylglutamine and citramalic acid may serve as early biomarker of cisplatin-induced AKI.KEY WORDS: Acute kidney injury, Biomarker, Cisplatin, Metabolomics, LC-MS/MS, Rats.PMID:39113513 | DOI:10.29271/jcpsp.2024.08.936

Delta-6 desaturase FADS2 is a tumor-promoting factor in cholangiocarcinoma

Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:00
Cancer Sci. 2024 Aug 7. doi: 10.1111/cas.16306. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCholangiocarcinoma is a fatal disease with limited therapeutic options. We screened genes required for cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenicity and identified FADS2, a delta-6 desaturase. FADS2 depletion reduced in vivo tumorigenicity and cell proliferation. In clinical samples, FADS2 was expressed in cancer cells but not in stromal cells. FADS2 inhibition also reduced the migration and sphere-forming ability of cells and increased apoptotic cell death and ferroptosis markers. Lipidome assay revealed that triglyceride and cholesterol ester levels were decreased in FADS2-knockdown cells. The oxygen consumption ratio was also decreased in FADS2-depleted cells. These data indicate that FADS2 depletion causes a reduction in lipid levels, resulting in decrease of energy production and attenuation of cancer cell malignancy.PMID:39113435 | DOI:10.1111/cas.16306

Integrating serum metabolomics analysis and network pharmacology to reveal the potential mechanism of Shengmai Jianghuang San in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:00
Biomed Chromatogr. 2024 Aug 7:e5981. doi: 10.1002/bmc.5981. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTShengmai Jianghuang San (SMJHS) is a traditional Chinese herbal compound reported to inhibit Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) progression and enhance radiosensitivity. However, the specific active ingredients and regulatory mechanisms of SMJHS against NPC, particularly under hypoxic conditions, remain unclear. In this study, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were gavaged with Shengmai Jianghuang San (SMJHS), and their blood was collected from the abdominal aorta. UHPLC-Q-Exactive orbitrap MS/MS was used to identify the metabolite profiles of SMJHS drug-containing serum. A molecular network of the active compositions in SMJHS targeting NPC was constructed through network pharmacology and molecular docking. The HIF-1α/VEGF pathway was in key positions. The effects of SMJHS on the proliferation, migration, and radiosensitivity of hypoxic NPC cells were assessed by in vitro experiments. NPC cell lines stably overexpressing HIF-1α were established using a lentivirus to investigate the regulation of HIF-1α/VEGF signaling in hypoxic NPC cells by SMJHS. Through a combination of network pharmacological analysis, cellular biofunctional validation, and molecular biochemical experiments, our study found that SMJHS had an anti-proliferative effect on NPC cells cultured under hypoxic conditions, inhibiting their migration and increasing their radiosensitivity. Additionally, SMJHS suppressed the expression of HIF-1α and VEGFA, exhibiting potential as an effective option for improving NPC treatment.PMID:39113411 | DOI:10.1002/bmc.5981

Serum metabolome analysis reveals medicinal fungi Phellinus igniarius ameliorated type 2 diabetes mellitus indications in rats via modulation of amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism

Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:00
Biomed Chromatogr. 2024 Aug 7:e5979. doi: 10.1002/bmc.5979. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMedicinal fungi Phellinus igniarius exhibited hypoglycemic effects; however, the protective mechanisms of P. igniarius on type 2 diabetes are not yet fully understood. Herein, the anti-diabetic effect of P. igniarius was investigated via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS)-based metabolome analysis. The rats were divided into normal group; model group; positive group; and groups treated with low, medium, and high dose of P. igniarius. After the treatments, a significant decrease in blood glucose concentration was observed. The levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride were dramatically decreased, whereas the level of insulin was increased. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed 31 differential endogenous metabolites between model group and normal group. A total of 14, 28, and 31 biomarkers were identified for low, medium, and high dose of P. igniarius treated groups, respectively. Twenty-one of the biomarkers were validated by using standard substances. The linear correlation coefficients ranged from 0.9990 to 1.0000. The methodology exhibited good repeatability, recoveries, and stability. The major intervened metabolic pathways covered glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolism; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Our metabolome analysis has provided insights into the underlying mechanism of P. igniarius on type 2 diabetes.PMID:39113379 | DOI:10.1002/bmc.5979

Multi-omics analysis reveals a feedback loop amplifying immune responses in acute graft-versus-host disease due to imbalanced gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism

Wed, 07/08/2024 - 12:00
J Transl Med. 2024 Aug 7;22(1):746. doi: 10.1186/s12967-024-05577-x.ABSTRACTAcute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is primarily driven by allogeneic donor T cells associated with an altered composition of the host gut microbiome and its metabolites. The severity of aGVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is not solely determined by the host and donor characteristics; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we decoded the immune cell atlas of 12 patients who underwent allo-HSCT: six with aGVHD and six with non-aGVHD. We performed a fecal microbiota (16SrRNA sequencing) analysis to investigate the fecal bacterial composition of 82 patients: 30 with aGVHD and 52 with non-aGVHD. Fecal samples from these patients were analyzed for bile acid metabolism. Through multi-omic analysis, we identified a feedback loop involving "immune cell-gut microbes-bile acid metabolites" contributing to heightened immune responses in patients with aGVHD. The dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and disruption of bile acid metabolism contributed to an exaggerated interleukin-1 mediated immune response. Our findings suggest that resistin and defensins are crucial in mitigating against aGVHD. Therefore, a comprehensive multi-omic atlas incorporating immune cells, gut microbes, and bile acid metabolites was developed in this study and used to propose novel, non-immunosuppressive approaches to prevent aGVHD.PMID:39113144 | DOI:10.1186/s12967-024-05577-x

Effects of pacing strategy on metabolic responses to 2-min intense exercise in Thoroughbred horses

Wed, 07/08/2024 - 12:00
Sci Rep. 2024 Aug 7;14(1):18352. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-69339-x.ABSTRACTEvidence suggests that positive pacing strategy improves exercise performance and fatigue tolerance in athletic events lasting 1-5 min. This study investigated muscle metabolic responses to positive and negative pacing strategies in Thoroughbred horses. Eight Thoroughbred horses performed 2 min treadmill running using positive (1 min at 110% maximal O2 uptake [V̇O2max], followed by 1 min at 90% V̇O2max) and negative (1 min at 90% V̇O2max, followed by 1 min at 110% V̇O2max) pacing strategies. The arterial-mixed venous O2 difference did not significantly differ between the two strategies. Plasma lactate levels increased toward 2 min, with significantly higher concentrations during positive pacing than during negative pacing. Muscle glycogen level was significantly lower at 1 and 2 min of positive pacing than those of negative pacing. Metabolomic analysis showed that the sum of glycolytic intermediates increased during the first half of positive pacing and the second half of negative pacing. Regardless of pacing strategy, the sum of tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites increased during the first half but remained unchanged thereafter. Our data suggest that positive pacing strategy is likely to activate glycolytic metabolism to a greater extent compared to negative pacing, even though the total workload is identical.PMID:39112781 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-69339-x

Assessing the influence of sleep and sampling time on metabolites in oral fluid: implications for metabolomics studies

Wed, 07/08/2024 - 12:00
Metabolomics. 2024 Aug 7;20(5):97. doi: 10.1007/s11306-024-02158-3.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: The human salivary metabolome is a rich source of information for metabolomics studies. Among other influences, individual differences in sleep-wake history and time of day may affect the metabolome.OBJECTIVES: We aimed to characterize the influence of a single night of sleep deprivation compared to sufficient sleep on the metabolites present in oral fluid and to assess the implications of sampling time points for the design of metabolomics studies.METHODS: Oral fluid specimens of 13 healthy young males were obtained in Salivette® devices at regular intervals in both a control condition (repeated 8-hour sleep) and a sleep deprivation condition (total sleep deprivation of 8 h, recovery sleep of 8 h) and their metabolic contents compared in a semi-targeted metabolomics approach.RESULTS: Analysis of variance results showed factor 'time' (i.e., sampling time point) representing the major influencer (median 9.24%, range 3.02-42.91%), surpassing the intervention of sleep deprivation (median 1.81%, range 0.19-12.46%). In addition, we found about 10% of all metabolic features to have significantly changed in at least one time point after a night of sleep deprivation when compared to 8 h of sleep.CONCLUSION: The majority of significant alterations in metabolites' abundances were found when sampled in the morning hours, which can lead to subsequent misinterpretations of experimental effects in metabolomics studies. Beyond applying a within-subject design with identical sample collection times, we highly recommend monitoring participants' sleep-wake schedules prior to and during experiments, even if the study focus is not sleep-related (e.g., via actigraphy).PMID:39112673 | DOI:10.1007/s11306-024-02158-3

Association between the third trimester maternal serum metabolome and child growth and development through the first year of life

Wed, 07/08/2024 - 12:00
Sci Rep. 2024 Aug 7;14(1):18360. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-69247-0.ABSTRACTEvidence suggests that maternal metabolome may be associated with child health outcomes. We analyzed the association between the maternal metabolome between 28-35 gestational weeks and child growth and development during the first year. A prospective cohort of 98 mother-child dyads was followed at birth, 1, 6, and 12 months. Maternal serum samples were collected for targeted LC-MS/MS analysis, which measured 132 metabolites. The child's growth and development were assessed at each time-point. Z-scores were calculated based on WHO growth standards, and the domains of development were assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3). Multiple linear mixed-effects models were performed and confounders were identified using a Diagram Acyclic Graph. The Benjamini-Hochberg correction was used for multiple comparison adjustments. We found a positive association between lysophosphatidylcholines (14:0; 16:0; 16:1; 17:0; 18:0; 18:1; 18:2; 20:4) with the z-score of weight-for-age, and lysophosphatidylcholines (14:0; 16:0; 16:1; 18:0) and taurine with the z-score of weight-for-length, and lysophosphatidylcholines (14:0; 16:0; 16:1; 17:0; 18:0; 18:1; 18:2; 20:4) and glycine with the z-score of BMI-for-age. The leucine, methionine, tryptophan, and valine were negatively associated with the fine motor skills domain. We observed an association between maternal metabolome and the growth and child's development throughout the first year.PMID:39112666 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-69247-0

The past 25 years in paediatric rheumatology: insights from monogenic diseases

Wed, 07/08/2024 - 12:00
Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2024 Aug 7. doi: 10.1038/s41584-024-01145-1. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe past 25 years have seen major novel developments in the field of paediatric rheumatology. The concept of autoinflammation was introduced to this field, and medicine more broadly, with studies of familial Mediterranean fever, the most common autoinflammatory disease globally. New data on the positive evolutionary selection of familial Mediterranean fever-associated genetic variants might be pertinent to mild gain-of-function variants reported in other disease-associated genes. Genetic studies have unveiled the complexity of human heritability to inflammation and flourishing data from rare monogenic disorders have contributed to a better understanding of general disease mechanisms in paediatric rheumatic conditions. Beyond genomics, the application of other 'omics' technologies, including transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, has generated an enormous dataset that can be applied to the development of new therapies and in the practice of precision medicine. Novel biomarkers for monitoring disease activity and progression have also emerged. A surge in the development of targeted biologic therapies has led to durable remission and improved prognosis for many diseases that in the past caused major complications. Last but not least, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected paediatric rheumatology practice and has sparked new investigations into the link between viral infections and unregulated inflammatory responses in children.PMID:39112602 | DOI:10.1038/s41584-024-01145-1

Multi-omic analysis of Huntington's disease reveals a compensatory astrocyte state

Wed, 07/08/2024 - 12:00
Nat Commun. 2024 Aug 8;15(1):6742. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-50626-0.ABSTRACTThe mechanisms underlying the selective regional vulnerability to neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease (HD) have not been fully defined. To explore the role of astrocytes in this phenomenon, we used single-nucleus and bulk RNAseq, lipidomics, HTT gene CAG repeat-length measurements, and multiplexed immunofluorescence on HD and control post-mortem brains. We identified genes that correlated with CAG repeat length, which were enriched in astrocyte genes, and lipidomic signatures that implicated poly-unsaturated fatty acids in sensitizing neurons to cell death. Because astrocytes play essential roles in lipid metabolism, we explored the heterogeneity of astrocytic states in both protoplasmic and fibrous-like (CD44+) astrocytes. Significantly, one protoplasmic astrocyte state showed high levels of metallothioneins and was correlated with the selective vulnerability of distinct striatal neuronal populations. When modeled in vitro, this state improved the viability of HD-patient-derived spiny projection neurons. Our findings uncover key roles of astrocytic states in protecting against neurodegeneration in HD.PMID:39112488 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-024-50626-0

Volatile organic compounds in cancer and exhaled breath detection technology

Wed, 07/08/2024 - 12:00
Adv Clin Chem. 2024;122:53-114. doi: 10.1016/bs.acc.2024.06.012. Epub 2024 Jul 4.ABSTRACTThe detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath has become a potential method for early cancer screening. Although this approach has attracted increasing attention from the both scientific and medical communities, it has not received appreciable traction in the clinical setting. There are two main obstacles. One involves the identification of specific biomarkers or combinations thereof especially in early cancer. The other is the lack the specialized equipment for breath analysis having the appropriate sensitivity and specificity. Using metabolomics, this chapter examines the research strategies involving gas biomarkers in cancer patient breath, cancer cell gas metabolites and synthetic biomarkers. We briefly explore gas biomarkers of seven cancers and introduce principles of detection and clinical application. Large analytical instruments and small sensor technology are highlighted. Challenges to VOC analysis are presented including clinical use, extraction and detection, miniaturization efforts and examination of metabolic VOC pathways. Finally, VOCs in cancer and in exhaled breath detection technology are summarized and future prospects explored.PMID:39111965 | DOI:10.1016/bs.acc.2024.06.012

Probiotic and anti-inflammatory properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MKTJ24 isolated from an artisanal fermented fish of North-east India

Wed, 07/08/2024 - 12:00
N Biotechnol. 2024 Aug 5:S1871-6784(24)00034-7. doi: 10.1016/j.nbt.2024.07.005. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe study aimed to isolate and characterize lactic acid bacteria from various traditional fermented fish products from North East India, including Xindol, Hentak, and Ngari, which hold significant dietary importance for the indigenous tribes. Additionally, the study sought to examine their untargeted metabolomic profiles. A total of 43 strains of Bacillus, Priestia, Staphylococcus, Pediococcus, and Lactiplantibacillus were isolated, characterized by 16S rRNA gene and tested for probiotic properties. Five strains passed pH and bile salt tests with strain dependent antimicrobial activity, which exhibited moderate autoaggregation and hydrophobicity properties. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MKTJ24 exhibited the highest hydrophobicity (42%), which was further confirmed by adhesion assay in HT-29 cell lines (100%). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MKTJ24 treatment in LPS-stimulated HT-29 cells up-regulated expression of mucin genes compared to LPS-treated cells. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MKTJ24 decreased LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) productions. Further, genome analysis of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MKTJ24 revealed the presence of several probiotic markers and immunomodulatory genes. The genome was found to harbour plantaracin operon involved in bacteriocin production. A pangenome analysis using all the publicly available L. plantarum genomes specifically isolated from fermented fish products identified 120 unique genes in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MKTJ24. Metabolomic analysis indicated dominance of ascorbic acids, pentafluropropionate, cyclopropaneacetic acid, florobenzylamine, and furanonee in Xindol. This study suggests that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MKTJ24 has potential probiotic and immunomodulatory properties that could be used in processing traditional fermented fish products on an industrial scale to improve their quality and enhance functional properties.PMID:39111568 | DOI:10.1016/j.nbt.2024.07.005

Cannabidiol exposure during embryonic period caused serious malformation in embryos and inhibited the development of reproductive system in adult zebrafish

Wed, 07/08/2024 - 12:00
Sci Total Environ. 2024 Aug 5:175315. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175315. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis with potential applications in biomedicine, food, and cosmetics due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant properties. However, increasing reports of adverse CBD exposure events underscore the necessity of evaluating its toxicity. In this study, we investigated the developmental toxicity of CBD in zebrafish during the embryonic (0-4 dpf, days post fertilization) and early larval stages (5-7 dpf). The median lethal concentration of CBD in embryos/larvae is 793.28 μg/L. CBD exhibited concentration-dependent manner (ranging from 250 to 1500 μg/L) in inducing serious malformed somatotypes, like shorter body length, pericardial cysts, vitelline cysts, spinal curvature, and smaller eyes. However, no singular deformity predominates. The 5-month-old zebrafish treated with 100 and 200 μg/L of CBD during the embryonic and early larval stages produced fewer offspring with higher natural mortality and malformation rate. Gonadal growth and gamete development were inhibited. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses conducted with 400 μg/L CBD on embryos/larvae from 0 to 5 dpf suggested that CBD promoted the formation and transportation of extracellular matrix components on 1 dpf, promoting abnormal cell division and migration, probably resulting in random malformed somatotypes. It inhibited optical vesicle development and photoreceptors formation on 2 and 3 dpf, resulting in damaged sight and smaller eye size. CBD also induced an integrated stress response on 4 and 5 dpf, disrupting redox, protein, and cholesterol homeostasis, contributing to cellular damage, physiological dysfunction, embryonic death, and inhibited reproductive system and ability in adult zebrafish. At the tested concentrations, CBD exhibited developmental toxicity, lethal toxicity, and reproductive inhibition in zebrafish. These findings demonstrate that CBD threatens the model aquatic animal, highlighting the need for additional toxicological evaluations of CBD before its inclusion in dietary supplements, edible food, and other products.PMID:39111451 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175315

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