OBJECTIVES: To investigate the regulatory effects of Aurora-A in regulating proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cervical cancer cells and the role of actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 4 (ARPC4) in mediating its effects. METHODS: The plasmids pCDH-NC, pCDH-Aurora-A, and shRNA-ARPC4 were used for inducing Aurora-A overexpression or ARPC4 knockdown in HeLa cells. The cells were divided into vector group, Aurora-A overexpression group, Aurora-A overexpression+ARPC4 knockdown group, and Aurora-A overexpression+NF‑κBp65 inhibitor group and transfected with the corresponding plasmids. The proliferation, colony-forming ability, migration and invasion of the treated Hela cells was evaluated using EdU immunofluorescence assay, crystal violet staining, scratch assay, Transwell assay, and Matrigel assay. Western blotting was performed to detect the changes in cellular expressions of EMT-related proteins and expression levels of NF-κBp65 and ARPC4. RESULTS: The expression of ARPC4 was significantly decreased in HeLa cells with Aurora-A knockdown and increased in Aurora-A-overexpressing cells. Aurora-A overexpression obviously promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of HeLa cells, and these effects was significantly antagonized by ARPC4 knockdown. In Aurora-A-overexpressing cells, the phosphorylation level of NF-κBp65 and the expression level of ARPC4 were increased significantly, and application of the NF‑κBp65 inhibitor obviously lowered the expression level of ARPC4. CONCLUSIONS Aurora-A overexpression upregulates the expression of ARPC4 by activating the NF-κBp65 signaling pathway, thereby promoting migration, invasion and EMT of HeLa cells.
Humans ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Female ; HeLa Cells ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Signal Transduction ; Cell Movement ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Cell Proliferation ; Aurora Kinase A/metabolism* ; Transcription Factor RelA/metabolism* ; Neoplasm Metastasis

Objective As primary Sj?gren's syndrome(pSS)primarily affects the salivary glands,saliva can serve as an indicator of the glands'pathophysiology and the disease's status.This study aims to illustrate the salivary proteomic profiles of pSS patients and identify potential candidate biomarkers for diagnosis. Methods The discovery set contained 49 samples(24 from pSS and 25 from age-and gender-matched healthy controls[HCs])and the validation set included 25 samples(12 from pSS and 13 from HCs).Totally 36 pSS patients and 38 HCs were centrally randomized into the discovery set or to the validation set at a 2:1 ratio.Unstimulated whole saliva samples from pSS patients and HCs were analyzed using a data-independent acquisition(DIA)strategy on a 2D LC-HRMS/MS platform to reveal differential proteins.The crucial proteins were verified using DIA analysis and annotated using gene ontology(GO)and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts(IPA)analysis.A prediction model for SS was established using random forests. Results A total of 1,963 proteins were discovered,and 136 proteins exhibited differential representation in pSS patients.The bioinformatic research indicated that these proteins were primarily linked to immunological functions,metabolism,and inflammation.A panel of 19 protein biomarkers was identified by ranking order based on P-value and random forest algorichm,and was validated as the predictive biomarkers exhibiting good performance with area under the curve(AUC)of 0.817 for discovery set and 0.882 for validation set. Conclusions The candidate protein panel discovered may aid in pSS diagnosis.Salivary proteomic analysis is a promising non-invasive method for prognostic evaluation and early and precise treatments for pSS patients.DIA offers the best time efficiency and data dependability and may be a suitable option for future research on the salivary proteome.

【Objective】 To investigate the association between genetic variations in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) gene and BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 A total of 514 subjects from 124 families were recruited in Meixian County, Shaanxi Province, in 2004, resulting in the establishment of a "salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort" . The subjects followed a dietary regimen which involved a normal diet for 3 days, a low-salt diet for 7 days, a high-salt diet for 7 days, and a high-salt potassium-supplemented diet for 7 days. BP measurement was conducted at different intervention periods, and peripheral blood samples were collected. Additionally, eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GLP-1R gene were genotyped using the MassARRAY detection platform. 【Results】 The GLP-1R gene SNP rs9462472 exhibited a significant association with systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure response to high-salt intervention. Similarly, SNP rs2268637 showed a significant association with systolic BP response to high-salt intervention. Furthermore, SNP rs2268637 was significantly associated with systolic BP and mean arterial pressure responses to high-salt plus potassium supplementation intervention. 【Conclusion】 Our findings indicate a significant association of genetic variations in the GLP-1R gene with BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. This suggests that the GLP-1R gene plays a role in the regulation of BP salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Extreme temperature events, including extreme cold, are becoming more frequent worldwide, which might be harmful to pregnant women and cause adverse birth outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association between exposure to low ambient temperature in pregnant women and adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth, and to summarize the evidence herein. METHODS: Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase electronic databases until November 2021. Studies involving low ambient temperature, preterm birth, birth weight, and stillbirth were included. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses were followed to conduct this study risk of bias and methods for data synthesis. RESULTS: A total of 34 studies were included. First, pregnant women exposed to low ambient temperature had an increased risk of preterm birth (risk ratio [RR] 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.13). Subgroup analyses revealed that exposure during late pregnancy was more likely to induce preterm birth. In addition, only pregnant women exposed to <1st percentile of the mean temperature suffered increased risk of preterm birth. Moreover, pregnant women living in medium or hot areas were more prone to have preterm births than those in cold areas when exposed to low ambient temperatures. Asians and Blacks were more susceptible to low ambient temperatures than Caucasians. Second, pregnant women exposed to low ambient temperature had an increased risk of low birth weight (RR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.12). Third, pregnant women had an increased risk of stillbirth while exposed to low ambient temperature during the entire pregnancy (RR 4.63; 95% CI 3.99-5.38). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to low ambient temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to extremely low ambient temperature (<1st percentile of the mean temperature), especially in their late pregnancy. This study could provide clues for preventing adverse outcomes from meteorological factors. REGISTRATION No. CRD42021259776 at PROSPERO ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ).
Pregnancy ; Infant, Newborn ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Premature Birth/epidemiology* ; Stillbirth/epidemiology* ; Temperature ; Pregnancy Complications

Abstract: Objective　In order to provide reference for emergency treatment of a sudden food poisoning incident, pathogen detection and drug resistance analysis were carried out. Methods　Diarrheal stool and surplus food samples were detected by GB 4789 and the isolates were identified by VITEK2 and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), at the same time, the bacterial drug sensitivity test was carried out by using the method of microbroth dilution, and the isolates from different sources were molecularly classified by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and the correlation between the strains was analyzed by BioNumerics software. Results　Totaly 13 leftovers and 3 diarrhea patients were isolated and identified, The total number of colonies and coliforms in 7 leftovers samples all exceeded the standard, and Citrobacter freundii was detected in 5 leftovers and 2 stools. The results of drug sensitivity test showed that seven strains of Citrobacter freundii were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, amikacin, cefotaxime and meropenem, but completely resistant to ampicillin, and there was no multiple drug resistance. The results of pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) showed that 7 strains of Citrobacter freundii had the same PFGE bands and 100% homology, showing the same clone. Conclusions　This food poisoning incident was caused by Citrobacter freundii. The pathogen of food poisoning can be quickly and accurately determined by MALDI-TOF MS, which is beneficial to the early diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. It is suggested to strengthen the corresponding management, improve food safety awareness and prevent similar incidents.

【Objective】 Dyslipidemia has shown to be associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and renal diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between residual cholesterol and the risk of subclinical renal damage (SRD). 【Methods】 A total of 2 342 participants were recruited from the previously established Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Study cohort. According to estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatine ratio(uACR), the subjects were divided into SRD group and non-SRD group. The associations of residual cholesterol with eGFR, uACR, and the risk of SRD were analyzed by multiple linear and Logistic regression analyses. 【Results】 Residual cholesterol was positively correlated with uACR(r=0.081, P<0.001) but negatively correlated with eGFR (r=-0.091, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that residual cholesterol was an influencing factor of uACR (β=0.075, P<0.001) and eGFR (β=-0.027, P<0.001) after adjustment for gender, age, smoke, alcohol, exercise, BMI, hypertension, diabetes and serum uric acid. In addition, Logistic regression analysis revealed that residual cholesterol was significantly associated with the risk of SRD independently of potential confounders [OR(95% CI)=1.387 (1.113-1.728), P<0.001]. Further subgroup analysis showed that residual cholesterol was significantly associated with the risk of SRD in women but not in men. 【Conclusion】 Residual cholesterol is a contributing factor in the risk of subclinical renal damage with gender-specific association.

【Objective】 4-like protein with down-regulated expression and development in neural precursor cells (NEDD4L) plays an important role in blood pressure (BP) regulation and sodium homeostasis by regulating epithelial sodium channel protein. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship of NEDD4L gene polymorphisms with BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 In 2004, 514 subjects from 124 families in Meixian County, Shaanxi Province, were recruited to establish a salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort. All the subjects received a 3-day baseline survey, a 7-day low-salt diet, a 7-day high-salt diet, and finally a 7-day high-salt and potassium supplementation. Their BP was measured and peripheral blood samples were collected at different intervention periods. The 14 gene polymorphisms of NEDD4L gene were genotyped and analyzed by MassARRAY platform. 【Results】 BP decreased on a low-salt diet, and significantly increased on a high-salt diet, and decreased again after potassium supplementation. NEDD4L SNPs rs74408486 were significantly associated with systolic BP, diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure responses to the low-salt diet. SNPs rs292449 and rs2288775 were significantly associated with pulse pressure response to the high-salt diet. In addition, SNPs rs563283 and rs292449 were significantly associated with diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure responses to high-salt and potassium supplementation diet. 【Conclusion】 NEDD4L gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with BP responses to sodium and potassium intake, suggesting that NEDD4L gene may be involved in the development of salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.

【Objective】 Based on our previously established salt-sensitive hypertension cohort, we aimed to examine the association of genetic variants in uromodulin with blood pressure(BP) responses to dietary interventions of sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 In 2004, 514 subjects from 124 families in Mei County, Shaanxi Province, were recruited to establish the salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort. Among them, 333 non-parent subjects were selected and sequentially maintained on a normal-diet for 3 days, low-salt diet for 7 days, then a high-salt diet for 7 days and a high-salt diet with potassium supplementation for another 7 days. Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in the uromodulin gene were genotyped on the MassARRAY platform. 【Results】 BP levels decreased from the baseline to low-salt diet, increased from low-salt to high-salt diet, and decreased again from the high-salt diet to the high-salt plus potassium supplementation intervention. SNPs rs77875418 and rs4997081 of the uromodulin gene were significantly associated with diastolic BP(DBP) and mean arterial pressure(MAP) responses to high-salt diet. In addition, SNPs rs77875418, rs79245268, rs4293393, rs6497476, rs4997081, rs13333226, and rs12917707 were significantly associated with systolic BP(SBP), DBP, and MAP responses to high-salt diet with potassium supplementation. 【Conclusion】 Genetic variants in uromodulin gene are significantly associated with BP responses to sodium and potassium supplementation, suggesting that uromodulin may be mechanistically involved in BP sodium-sensitivity and potassium-sensitivity.

【Objective】 M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor(M3 receptor), encoded by CHRM3 gene, is widely distributed in the cardiovascular system and plays an important role in cardiac regulation. The aim of this study was to assess the association of genetic variants in M3 receptor with blood pressure(BP) responses to controlled dietary sodium and potassium interventions. 【Methods】 A total of 333 subjects from 124 families were recruited from the rural areas of northern China. After a three-day baseline observation, they were sequentially on a seven-day low-salt diet, a seven-day high-salt diet, and a seven-day high-salt diet plus potassium supplementation. Thirteen CHRM3 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) were selected for analysis. 【Results】 SNP rs10802811 of the CHRM3 was significantly associated with diastolic BP(DBP) and mean arterial pressure(MAP) responses to both low-salt and high-salt diets while SNPs rs6429147, rs373288072, rs114677844 and rs663148 showed significant associations with systolic BP(SBP) and MAP responses to high-salt diet. In addition, SNP rs6692904 was significantly associated with SBP, DBP and MAP responses to high-salt diet with potassium supplementation. 【Conclusion】 Genetic variants in M3 receptor are significantly associated with BP responses to sodium and potassium intervention, suggesting that M3 receptor may be mechanistically involved in BP salt and potassium sensitivity.

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of TAR DNA-binding protein 43(TDP-43)on oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD)-induced apoptosis in mouse atrial myocytes(HL-1 cells).Methods The in vitro cultured mouse atrial myocytes(HL-1 cells)were divided into:(1)control group and groups with different OGD treatment times(2,4,8,16 h),and cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay,and TDP-43 protein expression level was detected by Western blotting,which was used to determine the time point of OGD induction for the subsequent study;(2)control and OGD groups,flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis,JC-1 staining to detect mitochondrial membrane potential,chemiluminescence to detect adenosine triphosphate(ATP)relative content,microplate method to detect malondialdehyde(MDA)content,and WST-1 method to detect superoxide dismutase(SOD)content.Mouse atrial myocytes(HL-1 cells)transfected with lentivirus were divided into:(1)negative control lentiviral intervention group(NC-shRNA),TDP-43 knockdown lentiviral intervention group(TDP-43-shRNA1,TDP-43-shRNA2,TDP-43-shRNA3),and Western blotting was used to detect the TDP-43 protein expression level,and the group with the highest lentiviral knockdown efficiency was selected as the TDP-43-shRNA for subsequent experiments;(2)NC-shRNA group,TDP-43-shRNA group,OGD+NC-shRNA group,OGD+TDP-43-shRNA group,under normoxic and OGD conditions,flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate,MitoTracker staining to detect mitochondrial morphology,JC-1 staining to detect mitochondrial membrane potential,chemiluminescence to detect the relative content of ATP,flow cytometry to detect the fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species(ROS),microplate to detect the content of MDA,and WST-1 to detect the content of SOD.Results CCK-8 method showed that,with the prolongation of OGD time,the viability of mouse atrial myocytes(HL-1 cells)gradually decreased;Western blotting assay showed that the expression level of TDP-43 protein gradually increased,and both of them showed a strong time-dependence.Compared with control group,mouse atrial myocytes(HL-1 cells)viability was the lowest(P<0.05)and TDP-43 protein expression was the highest(P<0.05)at 16 h of OGD,accordingly,OGD 16 h was chosen as the induction time point for subsequent experiments.Compared with control group,the apoptosis rate,the fluorescence intensity ratio of mitochondrial membrane potential and the content of MDA increased,the relative content of ATP and SOD decreased in OGD group,and the differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05).Western blotting detection showed that compared with NC-shRNA group,the TDP-43-shRNA2 group had the most obvious reduction in TDP-43 protein expression level(P<0.05)and the highest knockdown efficiency,so the TDP-43-shRNA2 group was selected for subsequent experiments.The results of flow cytometry showed that under normoxic conditions,there was no significant change in the apoptosis rate in TDP-43-shRNA group compared with NC-shRNA group(P>0.05);and under OGD conditions,the apoptosis rate in OGD+TDP-43-shRNA group reduced when compared with OGD+NC-shRNA group(P<0.05).MitoTracker staining results showed that the mitochondrial morphology of TDP-43-shRNA group was intact without significant changes compared with NC-shRNA group;the mitochondria of OGD+NC-shRNA group increased in number,most of which were fragmented and scattered in distribution;compared with OGD+NC-shRNA group,the mitochondrial morphology of OGD+TDP-43-shRNA group was restored.Under normoxic conditions,there were no significant changes in mitochondrial membrane potential,relative ATP content,ROS fluorescence intensity,MDA content,and SOD content in TDP-43-shRNA group compared with NC-shRNA group(P>0.05);however,under OGD conditions,the ratio of fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial membrane potential of cells the fluorescence intensity of ROS,and the content of MDA decreased,and the relative content of ATP and the content of SOD increased in OGD+TDP-43-shRNA group compared with that of OGD+NC-shRNA group,and all of these differences was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion TDP-43 exacerbates OGD-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by regulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis;therefore,knockdown of TDP-43 expression is expected to be a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic cardiomyopathy.