Fungal infections have emerged as a critical public health issue endangering human health. However, the existing arsenal of antifungal agents is limited in diversity and is commonly plagued by drawbacks including narrow antimicrobial spectrums and the frequent emergence of drug resistance, which severely compromises the efficacy of clinical treatments. Pathogenic fungi can develop extensive adaptability to currently available drugs through multiple mechanisms, which are mainly manifested in three aspects: drug resistance, tolerance and persistence. The molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways underlying drug resistance, tolerance and persistence in pathogenic fungi were systematically summarized in this review, and the counteractive strategies such as combination therapy and the development of novel antifungal agents were further discussed, which aimed to provide theoretical basis and practical reference for the precision treatment of fungal infections.

Tegoprazan is a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker with long-lasting and potent acid-suppressing effects,showing favorable efficacy in many acid-related diseases.In eradicating Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infections,tegoprazan-based regimens are noninferior to proton pump inhibitor(PPI)regimens in terms of efficacy,and are well tolerated and safe.In this article,we review the pharmacological mechanism,clinical studies on Hp eradication regimens,and safety of tegoprazan to provide a reference for the selection of Hp e-radication regimens.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism mediating the regulatory effect of miR-155-5p on proliferation of human submandibular gland epithelial cells (HSGECs) in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS: Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-155-5p and the PI3K/AKT pathway. In a HSGEC model of pSS induced by simulation with TRAIL and INF-γ, the effects of miR-155-inhibitor-NC or miR-155 inhibitor on cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis and proliferation were evaluated using CKK8 assay, flow cytometry and colony formation assay. ELISA and RT-PCR were used to detect the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and miR-155-5p mRNA in the cells; Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. RESULTS: Dual luciferase assay showed that miR-155-5p targets the PI3K/AKT pathway via PIK3R1 mRNA. The HSGEC model of pSS showed significantly decreased cell viability, cell clone formation ability and expressions IL-10 and IL-4 and increased cell apoptosis, cell percentage in G2 phase, expressions of TNF‑α, IL-6, miR-155-5p and PIK3R1 mRNA, p-PI3K/PI3K ratio, p-Akt/AKT ratio, and PIK3R1 protein expression. Treatment of the cell models with miR-155 inhibitor significantly increased the cell viability, G1 phase cell percentage, colony formation ability, and expressions of IL-10 and IL-4 levels, and obviously reduced cell apoptosis rate, G2 phase cell percentage, expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, miR-155-5p and PIK3R1 mRNA, p-PI3K/PI3K ratio, p-AKT/AKT ratio, and PIK3R1 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS In HSGEC model of pSS, inhibition of miR-155-5p can promote cell proliferation and reduced cell apoptosis by targeting PI3K1 mRNA to negatively regulate the overexpression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Signal Transduction ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Sjogren's Syndrome/pathology* ; Epithelial Cells/cytology* ; Submandibular Gland/cytology* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Class Ia Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase ; Cells, Cultured

BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease.Many studies have shown that wogonin has a good anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatoid arthritis,but its exact efficacy and specific mechanism of action remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of wogonin ameliorating joint inflammation by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in rats with collagen-induced arthritis. METHODS:(1)At the animal level:Female Wistar rats were divided into healthy control group,arthritis model group and wogonin treatment group.Rat models of arthritis in the latter two groups were established by subcutaneous injection of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and adjuvant.In the wogonin group,wogonin was given by gavage for 28 consecutive days after modeling.During this period,the rats in each group were weighed,and arthritis score and ankle swelling were measured every 7 days.After the experiment,the pathological changes of the joint were observed,the mRNA and protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway GRP78 and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR,western blot,and immunohistochemistry.(2)At the cellular level,cell counting kit-8 was used to detect the cytotoxic effect of wogonin on fibroblast-like synoviocytes from rats with collagen-induced arthritis.The fibroblast-like synoviocytes induced by thapsigargin were treated with different concentrations of wogonin.The levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA,and the intracellular reactive oxygen species in each group were determined by DCFH-DA probe method.The mRNA and protein levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the healthy control group,arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the arthritis model group were increased(P<0.01),synovial hyperplasia,inflammatory cell infiltration,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were observed in pathological sections,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were significantly increased(P<0.01),which were mainly located in synovial tissue and articular surface.Compared with the arthritis model group,the arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the wogonin treatment group were decreased(P<0.05),synovial hyperplasia and the number of inflammatory cells were decreased,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were alleviated,the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were decreased(P<0.05),particularly in synovial tissue and on the articular surface.There was no significant difference in body mass among the three groups(P>0.05).In the cell experiment,200 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the survival rate of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(P<0.01).Compared with the blank control group,the levels of interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,content of reactive oxygen species,and mRNA and protein expression of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s,and CHOP in the thapsigargin group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with the thapsigargin group,50 and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant(P<0.05,P<0.01),and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the content of reactive oxygen species(P<0.01)and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP(all P<0.05).These results suggest that wogonin can effectively alleviate joint inflammatory responses in rats with collagen-induced arthritis,and the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway may be the key target of its intervention.

BACKGROUND:Our previous study found that Modified Erxian Pill could alleviate inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis rats,but its mechanism needs to be further verified. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill,and observe the effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages. METHODS:(1)Analysis of components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill:Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry was used to detect and identify Modified Erxian Pill and its components absorbed in the blood.(2)Effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages:Molecular docking technology was used to initially verify the sesquiterpenoids and NLRP3 in components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill.J774A.1 macrophages were randomly divided into blank control group,lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,and lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill with low(2.5%),medium(5%),and high(10%)dose groups.The release of lactate dehydrogenase in the cell supernatant of each group was detected according to the kit instructions.The levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in cell supernatant were detected in each group by ELISA.The cell membrane damage was detected by Hoechst/PI staining.The expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein in the cells of each group were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 32 active components of Modified Erxian Pill were identified,and 21 components entered the blood.The main components into blood included a variety of sesquiterpenoids.(2)Molecular docking results showed that 3-O-Acetyl-13-deoxyphomenone,Incensol oxide,Atractylenolide III,Rupestonic acid,and 3,7-Dihydroxy-9,11-eremophiladien-8-one had good binding activity with NLRP3.(3)Compared with the blank control group,lactate dehydrogenase activity and the expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 were significantly increased in cell supernatant of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.001).Hoechst/PI staining showed that the number of PI-positive cells was significantly increased.After the intervention of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group,all of them showed different degrees of reduction.(4)Compared with the blank control group,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein expression levels were significantly increased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.05).Compared with lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,the protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N were significantly decreased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group(P<0.05),and had a certain dose dependence.These findings verify that the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill may inhibit the pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, as versatile biocatalysts with the broadest range of catalytic reactions in nature, play critical roles in the metabolism of medicinal plants. They are involved in various oxidative modification processes of active ingredients, facilitating both the synthesis and degradation of bioactive substances. This review delves into the classification, structure, and catalytic mechanisms of CYP450 enzymes, emphasizing their indispensable roles in plant biosynthesis. Using representative cases, including the biosynthetic pathways of tanshinones, artemisinin, celastrol, paclitaxel, and berberine, this review highlights the functional importance of specific CYP450s. For instance, CYP71AV1 catalyzes the production of artemisinin and artemisinic aldehyde, with its activity directly affecting artemisinin yield. Similarly, CYP76AH1 and CYP76AK1 play pivotal roles in the backbone construction and postmodification of tanshinones, acting as key players in their metabolic network. In the case of celastrol, CYP712K1, CYP712K2, and CYP712K3 initiate the first oxidative reaction, providing a solid foundation for subsequent biosynthetic processes. These examples highlight the pivotal role of CYP450 enzymes in the biosynthesis of medicinal plants, showcasing both their complexity and significance in plant metabolic pathways. Furthermore, this review examines the oxidative metabolism of CYP450 enzymes under aerobic conditions and their reductive metabolism in specific environments, offering deeper insights into their catalytic mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of these processes lays the groundwork for the effective application of CYP450 enzymes in biotechnology and plant metabolic engineering.

Objective:To investigate the effects of circular RNA(circRNA)hsa_circ_0081621 on the malignant biological behaviors of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma AMC-HN-8 and TU177 cells.Methods:AMC-HN-8 and TU177 cells were routinely cultured.si-NC,si-hsa_circ_0081621,empty vector(vector),and hsa_circ_0081621 overexpression vector(hsa_circ_0081621-OE)were transfected into AMC-HN-8 and TU177 cells,namely si-NC,si-hsa_circ_0081621,vector,and hsa_circ_0081621-OE groups,respectively.The effects of knockdown or overexpression of hsa_circ_0081621 on the proliferation,migration,and invasion of AMC-HN-8 and TU177 cells were detected by CCK-8 assay,colony formation assay,scratch wound healing assay,and Transwell chamber assay.Results:Successful knockdown or overexpression of hsa_circ_0081621 was achieved in AMC-HN-8 and TU177 cells.hsa_circ_0081621 knockdown significantly inhibited while hsa_circ_0081621 overexpression significantly promoted the proliferation,migration,and invasion of AMC-HN-8 and TU177 cells(P<0.01 or P<0.001 or P<0.0001).Conclusion:hsa_circ_0081621 promotes the malignant biological behaviors of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma AMC-HN-8 and TU177 cells.

BACKGROUND:Polyamines play a crucial role in tissue calcification.Spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1(SAT1),as a key rate-limiting enzyme regulating intracellular polyamine metabolism,has been associated with various pathological processes.However,its role in vascular calcification remains unclear.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role of SAT1 in rat vascular smooth muscle cell calcification.METHODS:(1)Bioinformatics analysis:Differential expression of SAT1 in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques and their surrounding healthy carotid artery tissues were using GEO datasets.PanglaoDB database was used to analyze SAT1 expression abundance and localization across different cell types through single-cell sequencing.(2)Rat vascular smooth muscle cells were divided into three groups:a control group cultured in DMEM medium,a calcification group induced by DMEM medium containing 10 mmol/L β-glycerophosphate sodium and 3 mmol/L calcium chloride,and the 50,100 μmol/L diacetylaminotriazamidine groups treated with the SAT1 inhibitor,diacetylaminotriazamidine,in addition to the calcification medium.After 7-10 days of culture,alizarin red S staining was performed,and cellular calcium content and alkaline phosphatase activity were assessed.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2,bone morphogenetic protein 2,alpha-smooth muscle actin,and SAT1.Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to examine the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 and SAT1.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Bioinformatics analysis revealed significantly upregulated expression of SAT1 and Runt-related transcription factor 2(P<0.05)in carotid atherosclerotic plaques compared with healthy carotid tissues(P<0.05).Single-cell sequencing database analysis confirmed SAT1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.(2)Compared with the control group,the calcification group showed significantly increased Runt-related transcription factor 2,bone morphogenetic protein 2,SAT1,calcium content,and alkaline phosphatase activity,while alpha-smooth muscle actin expression was significantly decreased(all P<0.05).Compared with the calcification group,the 50 and 100 μmol/L diacetylaminotriazamidine groups showed significantly decreased Runt-related transcription factor 2,bone morphogenetic protein 2,calcium content,and alkaline phosphatase activity,while alpha-smooth muscle actin expression was significantly increased(all P<0.05).(3)Immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that compared with the calcification group,the expression intensity of Runt-related transcription factor 2 was significantly reduced in the 50 and 100 μmol/L diacetylaminotriazamidine groups.Overall,SAT1 may promote vascular smooth muscle cell calcification by upregulating Runt-related transcription factor 2 expression.

The caspase family is a conserved cysteine protease with similar amino acid sequences,structures and enzyme characteristics.Caspase is a single polypeptide with a molecular weight of 30-50 kDa,which is composed of three domains:the N-terminal pre-domain,the large submit of 20 kDa and the small submit of 10 kDa.Programmed cell death plays a pivotal role in bodily immune responses to infections byclearing infected cells,activating immune responses of cells and regulating the balance of immune cells,so it is one of the important mechanisms through which the body resists pathogens.The activation and regulation of the caspase family are critical to programmed cell death.This article reviews the latest research progress in caspase activation and its mechanism in programmed cell death.

Objective:To investigate the relationship of plasma residual cholesterol (RC), atherogenic index (AI), triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (THR) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to HDL-C ratio (LHR) with mild cognitive impairment(MCI) in middle-aged and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 318 T2DM patients aged 50-80 years admitted to the general practice ward of Tiantan Hospital from October 2023 to May 2024 were enrolled. The relevant clinical data were collected, including patient basic information, glycated hemoglobin, lipid test results, and cognitive level was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) form. According to MMSE scores, the patients were divided into the MCI group ( n=102) and the normal cognitive (NC) group ( n=216). Results:Compared with the NC group, patients in MCI group had a older age, longer diabetes duration, lower education level, higher HbA1c, and higher plasma TG levels ( P<0.05). The levels of RC, AI, LHR, and THR in the MCI group were significantly higher than those in the NC group ( P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RC ( OR=1.981, P=0.045), AI ( OR=1.657, P=0.043), LHR ( OR=4.360, P=0.001), and THR ( OR=2.908, P=0.002) were independently associated with mild cognitive impairment in T2DM patients. Age-stratified analysis revealed that among T2DM patients aged 60 to 69 years, all four plasma lipid parameters were associated with the risk of MCI in T2DM patients ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Plasma levels of RC, AI, LHR and THR are significantly associated with MCI in middle-aged and elderly T2DM patients, while LHR and THR have a closer association with MCI.