The liver regenerative capacity is crucial for patients with end-stage liver disease following partial hepatectomy (PHx). The specific bacteria and mechanisms regulating liver regeneration post-PHx remain unclear. This study demonstrated dynamic changes in the abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis (P. distasonis) post-PHx, correlating with hepatocyte proliferation. Treatment with live P. distasonis significantly promoted hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration after PHx. Targeted metabolomics revealed a significant positive correlation between P. distasonis and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), as well as hyodeoxycholic acid and 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid in the gut after PHx. Notably, treatment with BHB, but not hyodeoxycholic acid or 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, significantly promoted hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration in mice after PHx. Moreover, STAT3 inhibitor Stattic attenuated the promotive effects of BHB on cell proliferation and liver regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, P. distasonis upregulated the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related proteins, and increased BHB levels in the liver, and then BHB activated the STAT3 signaling pathway to promote liver regeneration. This study, for the first time, identifies the involvement of P. distasonis and its associated metabolite BHB in promoting liver regeneration after PHx, providing new insights for considering P. distasonis and BHB as potential strategies for promoting hepatic regeneration.

Although a single nucleotide polymorphism for N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has been identified in patients with early-onset stroke, the role of NAT10 in ischemic injury and the related underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that NAT10, the only known RNA N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification "writer", is increased in the damaged cortex of patients with acute ischemic stroke and the peri-infarct cortex of mice subjected to photothrombotic (PT) stroke. Pharmacological inhibition of NAT10 with remodelin on Days 3-7 post-stroke or astrocytic depletion of NAT10 via targeted virus attenuates ischemia-induced infarction and improves functional recovery in PT mice. Mechanistically, NAT10 enhances ac4C acetylation of the inflammatory cytokine tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1) mRNA transcript, which increases TIMP1 expression and results in the accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and progression of astrocyte autophagy. These findings demonstrate that NAT10 regulates astrocyte autophagy by targeting Timp1 ac4C after stroke. This study highlights the critical role of ac4C in the regulation of astrocyte autophagy and proposes a promising strategy to improve post-stroke outcomes via NAT10 inhibition.

Objective To investigate the effect of anti-angiogenic drug Sitravatinib combined with poly(adenosine diphosphate[ADP]-ribose)polymerase inhibitor(PARPi)Niraparib on mucosal melanoma cell lines and its possible mechanism.Methods The CCK8 assay was used to detect the maximal half inhibitory concentration(IC50)of Sitravatinib and Niraparib targeting at mucosal melanoma(MM)cell lines.CompuSyn was used to detect the Combination Index(CI)in different concentrations of the two drugs.Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of drugs on cell apoptosis.Colony formation assay was used to detect the effect of drugs on cell proliferation.Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions and RT-qPCR was used to detect mRNA expression.Results CI values was respectively 0.19 and 0.15 for Sitravatinib(2 μmol/L)in combination with Niraparib(20 μmol/L)in a human vaginal maligant melanoma cell line(HMVII)and a metastasis inguinal lymph node of vulvar malignant melanoma cell line(GAK).Compared with the control group and single-drug groups,the cell proliferation of the combination group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 or P＜0.001).The cell apoptosis rate was signifi-cantly increased(P＜0.01 or P＜0.001).The protein and mRNA expression of apoptosis-related biomarkers signifi-cantly increased(P＜0.001);In addition,the protein and mRNA expression of cell autophagy biomarkers signifi-cantly increased(P＜0.01 or P＜0.001).The protein expression of DNA damage marker significantly increased.Moreover,compared with the control group,The expression of radiation sensitive protein 51(RAD51)recombinase in the Sitravatinib single-drug group and combination group significantly reduced.As the dose of Sitravatinib gradu-ally increased up to 2 μmol/L,the protein and mRNA expression of RAD51 both significantly reduced(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),the mRNA expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 also significantly reduced(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 or P＜0.001).Conclusions Sitravatinib combined with Niraparib inhibits the proliferation of mucosal melanoma cells,induces cell apoptosis and promotes autophagy.The mechanism is potentially related to the inhibition of ho-mology-dependent recombination repairs(HRR).

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has a promising future in the treatment of ocular diseases due to its high efficiency, specificity, and low toxicity in inhibiting the expression of target genes and proteins. However, due to the unique anatomical structure of the eye and various barriers, delivering nucleic acids to the retina remains a significant challenge. In this study, we rationally design PACD, an A-B-C type non-viral vector copolymer composed of a hydrophilic PEG block (A), a siRNA binding block (B) and a pH-responsive block (C). PACDs can self-assemble into nanosized polymeric micelles that compact siRNAs into polyplexes through simple mixing. By evaluating its pH-responsive activity, gene silencing efficiency in retinal cells, intraocular distribution, and anti-angiogenesis therapy in a mouse model of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, we demonstrate the efficiency and safety of PACD in delivering siRNA in the retina. We are surprised to discover that, the PACD/siRNA polyplexes exhibit remarkable intracellular endosomal escape efficiency, excellent gene silencing, and inhibit retinal angiogenesis. Our study provides design guidance for developing efficient nonviral ocular nucleic acid delivery systems.

Objective·To analyze and explore the influencing factors that lead to cognitive deterioration in individuals with elevated fasting blood glucose(FBG)and the metabolic clues associated with changes in the risk of cognitive deterioration.Methods·Data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative(ADNI)database were downloaded,and the samples with FBG and follow-up data were selected from the database.Clinical information,including age,gender,body mass index,education years,apolipoprotein E4(APOE4)genotype and race,and corresponding metabolic indicator data,including amino acids,fatty acids,proteins and others were obtained.Based on the FBG levels and diagnosis of cognitive impairment stages in Alzheimer's disease,the subjects were categorized into four groups:normal FBG without/with cognitive deterioration,and elevated FBG without/with cognitive deterioration.The univariate analysis method,the Cox proportional hazards model,orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis(OPLSDA),and Spearman correlation analysis were employed for data analysis.Results·A total of 1 317 subjects were included,among which 1 153 had normal FBG level(>3.9 mmol/L and<6.1 mmol/L)and 164 had elevated FBG level(≥6.1 mmol/L).In the normal FBG group,275 subjects showed cognitive deterioration,while in the elevated FBG group,53 subjects showed cognitive deterioration.Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in gender and race between the normal FBG and elevated FBG group,and significant differences in age,gender,and APOE4 genotype between the groups with and without cognitive deterioration(all P<0.05).Cox regression analysis indicated that primary influencing factors for cognitive deterioration were APOE4 positivity,elevated FBG,and increasing age in order(HR=2.22,HR=1.38,HR=1.02;all P<0.05).In the analysis of baseline metabolic indicators in the groups without and with cognitive deterioration,as well as metabolic indicators before and after cognitive deterioration at different FBG levels,the results of the analysis of variance revealed that in the cognitively deteriorated population,the ratio of phospholipids carried by high-density lipoproteins(HDL)to total lipids was significantly higher;low-density lipoprotein(LDL)particle concentration and the lipids carried by LDL were significantly higher after cognitive deterioration.Correlation analysis showed that valine and leucine were significantly correlated not only with FBG level but also with phosphorylated tau(pTau)level in the plasma in the cognitively deteriorated population.Cholesterol and the ratio of phospholipids to total lipids carried by HDL were significantly correlated with pTau levels in cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).Conclusion·Compared to the individuals with normal FBG level,those with high FBG level have a significantly higher risk of cognitive deterioration.Additionally,different metabolic indicators show significant differences between the groups without and with cognitive deterioration,as well as metabolic indicators before and after cognitive deterioration at different FBG levels.Overall,LDL and its lipid content,and HDL-carried phospholipids show an increasing trend during cognitive deterioration,and the branched-chain amino acids valine and leucine are significantly correlated with pTau levels in CSF and plasma,suggesting that these metabolic markers may play an important role in cognitive deterioration.

Objective:To understand the major cognition, major choice motivation and the relationship between the two of medical students, and provide references and suggestions for the selection of talents in various majors of medical schools and the effective development of enrollment work.Methods:This study selected undergraduates of Batch 2019 from Peking University Health Science Center as the survey objects, conducted a questionnaire survey on their major cognition, major choice motivation and influencing factors, and used principal component analysis and Spearman rank correlation analysis.Results:The study found that the major cognition scores of 640 undergraduates of Batch 2019 from Peking University Health Science Center were clinical medicine (3.24±0.89) > stomatology (2.89±1.00) > basic medicine (2.66±1.02) > pharmacy (2.54±0.97) > preventive medicine (2.29±0.93) > nursing medicine (2.21±0.99) > medical laboratory (1.98±0.95) > medical English (1.95±0.93). Six major motivation factors for professional choice were school and professional strength, professional learning and job prospects, own factors, Peking University sentiments and the influence of others, medical factors, school policies, and the contribution rates were 34.60%, 12.97%, 7.42%, 6.00%, 5.59% and 5.37%, respectively. Major cognition scores and major choice motivation factors were positively correlated with each other to some extent.Conclusions:At present, students' major cognition level of medical majors still has a large room for improvement, and the motivational factors of major choice are more complicated, among which "the school and professional strength" and "the prospects of study and work" are important factors. Medical schools should focus on strengthening major publicity, improving students' major cognition, attracting aspiring students to apply for medical majors from many aspects, and improving the training quality of medical professionals.

OBJECTIVE To study the therapeutic effect of saikosaponins and paeoniflorin on rats with premenstrual dysphoric disorder(PMDD) model of liver Qi depression and the effect on neurotransmitters in hippocampal brain area. METHODS The PMDD rat model of liver Qi depression was prepared by the time-chosen chronic restraint stress method, and the depressive symptoms of rats were evaluated by the intervention of saikosaponins and paeoniflorin, the open field experiment and forced swimming experiment, and the changes of neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampal brain region of rats were detected by UHPLC-MS/MS target metabolomics. RESULTS The levels of 5-HT, Glu, GABA and NE in the hippocampal brain area of PMDD rats were significantly increased, and the levels of 5-HT, Glu, GABA, NE, DA and E were not statistically significant from those of the normal group after the intervention of saikosaponins and paeoniflorin. CONCLUSION Saikosaponins and paeoniflorin alleviates depression in rats with PMDD by regulating neurotransmitter levels, and it may be the pathway for the clinical treatment of PMDD with liver qi depression in the formulations of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Radix Alba.

Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19 ; Antibodies ; Antibodies, Viral/therapeutic use* ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use*

Autapses selectively form in specific cell types in many brain regions. Previous studies have also found putative autapses in principal spiny projection neurons (SPNs) in the striatum. However, it remains unclear whether these neurons indeed form physiologically functional autapses. We applied whole-cell recording in striatal slices and identified autaptic cells by the occurrence of prolonged asynchronous release (AR) of neurotransmitters after bursts of high-frequency action potentials (APs). Surprisingly, we found no autaptic AR in SPNs, even in the presence of Sr²⁺. However, robust autaptic AR was recorded in parvalbumin (PV)-expressing neurons. The autaptic responses were mediated by GABA_A receptors and their strength was dependent on AP frequency and number. Further computer simulations suggest that autapses regulate spiking activity in PV cells by providing self-inhibition and thus shape network oscillations. Together, our results indicate that PV neurons, but not SPNs, form functional autapses, which may play important roles in striatal functions.
Parvalbumins/metabolism* ; Corpus Striatum/metabolism* ; Interneurons/physiology* ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Neostriatum

OBJECTIVES: Major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with anhedonia tend to have a poor prognosis. The underlying imaging basis for anhedonia in MDD remains largely unknown. The relationship between nodal properties and anhedonia in MDD patients need to be further investigated. Herein, this study aims to explore differences of cerebral functional node characteristics in MDD patients with severe anhedonia (MDD-SA) and MDD patients with mild anhedonia (MDD-MA) before and after the antidepressant treatment. METHODS: Ninety participants with current MDD were recruited in this study. 24-Item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) were used to assess the severity of depression and anhedonia at baseline and the end of 6-months treatment. The MDD patients who scored above the 25th percentile on the SHAPS were assigned to an MDD-SA group (n=19), while those who scored below the 25th percentile were assigned to an MDD-MA group (n=18). All patients in the 2 groups received antidepressant treatment. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) images of all the patients were collected at baseline and the end of 6-months treatment. Graph theory was applied to analyze the patients' cerebral functional nodal characteristics, which were measured by efficiency (e_i) and degree (k_i). RESULTS: Repeated measures 2-factor ANCOVA showed significant main effects on group on the e_i and k_i values of left superior frontal gyrus (LSFG) (P=0.003 and P=0.008, respectively), and on the e_i and k_i values of left medial orbital-frontal gyrus (LMOFG) (P=0.004 and P=0.008, respectively). Compared with the MDD-MA group, the significantly higher e_i and k_i values of the LSFG (P=0.015 and P=0.021, respectively), and the significantly higher e_i and k_i values of the LMOFG (P=0.015 and P=0.037, respectively) were observed in the MDD-SA group at baseline. Meanwhile, higher SHAPS scores could result in higher e_i and k_i values of LSFG (P=0.019 and P=0.026, respectively), and higher e_i value of LMOFG (P=0.040) at baseline; higher SHAPS scores could result in higher e_i values of LSFG (P=0.049) at the end of 6-months treatment. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sex were negatively correlated with the e_i and k_i values of LSFG (r= -0.014, P=0.004; r=-1.153, P=0.001, respectively). The onset age of MDD was negatively correlated with the k_i value of LSFG (r=-0.420, P=0.034) at the end of 6-months treatment. We also found that SHAPS scores at baseline were positively correlated with the HAMD-24 scores (r=0.387, P=0.022) at the end of 6-months treatment. CONCLUSIONS There are obvious differences in nodal properties between the MDD-SA and the MDD-MA patients, such as the high e_i of LSFG in the MDD-SA patients, which may be associated with the severity of anhedonia. These nodal properties could be potential biomarkers for the prognosis of MDD. The increased e_i and k_i values in the LSFG of MDD-SA patients may underlie a compensatory mechanism or protective mechanism. The mechanism may be an important component of the pathological mechanism of MDD-SA. The poor prognosis in the MDD-SA patients suggests that anhedonia may predict a worse prognosis in MDD patients. Sex and onset age of MDD may affect the nodal properties of LSFG at baseline and the end of 6-months treatment.
Anhedonia ; Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use* ; Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Prefrontal Cortex