Analysis Of Protein Profiles Research Articles

Single Vesicle Surface Protein Profiling and Machine Learning-Based Dual Image Analysis for Breast Cancer Detection

Single-vesicle molecular profiling of cancer-associated extracellular vesicles (EVs) is increasingly being recognized as a powerful tool for cancer detection and monitoring. Mask and target dual imaging is a facile method to quantify the fraction of the molecularly targeted population of EVs in biofluids at the single-vesicle level. However, accurate and efficient dual imaging vesicle analysis has been challenging due to the interference of false signals on the mask images and the need to analyze a large number of images in clinical samples. In this work, we report a fully automatic dual imaging analysis method based on machine learning and use it with dual imaging single-vesicle technology (DISVT) to detect breast cancer at different stages. The convolutional neural network Resnet34 was used along with transfer learning to produce a suitable machine learning model that could accurately identify areas of interest in experimental data. A combination of experimental and synthetic data were used to train the model. Using DISVT and our machine learning-assisted image analysis platform, we determined the fractions of EpCAM-positive EVs and CD24-positive EVs over captured plasma EVs with CD81 marker in the blood plasma of pilot HER2-positive breast cancer patients and compared to those from healthy donors. The amount of both EpCAM-positive and CD24-positive EVs was found negligible for both healthy donors and Stage I patients. The amount of EpCAM-positive EVs (also CD81-positive) increased from 18% to 29% as the cancer progressed from Stage II to III. No significant increase was found with further progression to Stage IV. A similar trend was found for the CD24-positive EVs. Statistical analysis showed that both EpCAM and CD24 markers can detect HER2-positive breast cancer at Stages II, III, or IV. They can also differentiate individual cancer stages except those between Stage III and Stage IV. Due to the simplicity, high sensitivity, and high efficiency, the DISVT with the AI-assisted dual imaging analysis can be widely used for both basic research and clinical applications to quantitatively characterize molecularly targeted EV subtypes in biofluids.

Synthesis of a dehydrodieugenol B derivative as a lead compound for visceral leishmaniasis-mechanism of action and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic neglected tropical disease, affecting 12 million people. Available treatments present several limitations, with an increasing number of resistance cases. In the search for new chemotherapies, the natural product dehydrodieugenol B was used as a scaffold for the synthesis of a series of derivatives, resulting in the discovery of the promising analog [4-(4-(5-allyl-3-methoxy-2-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)phenoxy)-3-methoxybenzyl)morpholine, 1]. In this work, we investigated the effect of compound 1 on cell signaling in Leishmania (L.) infantum, culminating in cell death, as well as its immunomodulatory effect in the host cell. Additionally, we performed a pharmacokinetic profile study in an animal model. After treatment, compound 1 induced the alkalinization of acidocalcisomes and concomitant Ca2+ release in the parasite. These events may induce depolarization of the mitochondrial potential, with successive collapse of the bioenergetic system, leading to a reduction of ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The analysis of total proteins and protein profile by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) demonstrated that compound 1 also altered the parasite proteins after treatment. Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed ultrastructural damage to mitochondria; together, these data suggest that compound 1 may promote autophagic cell death. Additionally, compound 1 also induced an immunomodulatory effect in host cells, with a reduction of Th1 and Th2 cytokine response, characterizing an anti-inflammatory compound. The obtained pharmacokinetic profile in rats enhances the potential of the compound, with a mean plasma half-life (T1/2) of 21 h. These data reinforce the potential of compound 1 as a new lead for future efficacy studies.

Prevalence, Characterization, and Epidemiological Relationships between ESBL and Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter spp. Isolated from Humans and the Kitchen Environment of Two Greek Hospitals.

Extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales and Acinetobacter spp. pose significant challenges as nosocomial pathogens, demonstrating resistance against various antimicrobials. Their presence in food suggests that hospital kitchens could serve as antibiotic resistance reservoirs leading to patients' infection. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of β-lactam-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter spp. isolated from the kitchen environment and from the staff of two Greek hospitals. Strains were recovered after selective isolation with β-lactams and were identified with MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility and presence of common β-lactamase genes were evaluated. Protein profiles were examined to analyze potential relationships of the strain with those from hospital patients. E. coli strains were further categorized into phylogenetic groups. The overall prevalence in the kitchen environment was 4.5%, 1.5%, and 15.0% for E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter spp., respectively, whereas the prevalence of Acinetobacter spp. in human skin was 4.0%. Almost all strains were multidrug-resistant. All E. coli strains were ESBL producers and belonged to phylogroups A and B1. All K. pneumoniae and seven Acinetobacter strains were carbapenemase-producers. A protein profile analysis showed relatedness between chicken and kitchen environment strains, as well as between kitchen environment and patient strains originated either from the same or from different hospitals. The results suggest that hospital kitchens may act as important pathogen hotspots contributing to the circulation of resistant strains in the hospital environment.

Comparative analysis of protein profiles in skin secretions of some Rana species: Preliminary insights into antimicrobial activity

Protein profiles of skin secretions of Rana dalmatina (Agile Frog), Rana macrocnemis (Uludağ Frog), Rana tavasensis (Tavas Frog) and Rana holtzi (Taurus Frog) frog species belonging to the Rana genus distributed in the Anatolian region of Türkiye were determined for the first time using the Tricine-SDS-PAGE Electrophoresis method and Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) staining. By the results, some peptides with mass ≤5 kDa were detected. Just one peptide with mass ≤5 kDa was found in the secretion of each R. dalmatina, R. macrocnemis, and R. tavasensis while there was two in R. holtzi secretion. The antibacterial activity of secretions was determined using plate well diffusion assay on E. coli, S. typhimurium, S. aureus, B. cereus and L. monocytogenes bacteria. R. dalmatina created the inhibition zone for S. typhimurium, S. aureus, B. cereus, and L. monocytogenes. The zones of inhibition by R. tavasensis and R. macrocnemis species secretions were observed on S. aureus, B. cereus, and L. monocytogenes. It was found that R. holtzi creates an inhibition zone only on B. cereus. The results showed that the secretion of none of the species doesn't have antibacterial activity on E. coli. The skin secretion of R. dalmatina showed the most activity against bacteria, while R. holtzi had the least.

Immunofluorescence and biochemical investigation of the protective effects of naringin and diosmin on the freezability of Merino ram semen

BACKGROUND: Various antioxidant substances are added to sperm extenders to protect spermatozoa against oxidative stress and cryodamage. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the flavonoid diosmin (DIO) and a flavanone glycoside naringin (NAR) on the freezability of ram semen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, six Merino rams were used during the breeding season. The ejaculates were pooled after collection from the rams. Pooled ejaculates were divided into six groups: control, NAR 1 mM, NAR 2 mM, NAR 4 mM, DIO 2 mM, and DIO 4 mM, and then diluted with a TRIS-based diluent. The pooled semen was equilibrated, placed in 0.25 mL pipettes with 10 × 107 sperm cells in each pipette, and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. After 24 h, the pipettes were thawed at 37°C for 25 s and analyzed in terms of spermatological parameters. RESULTS: The highest plasma membrane integrity ratio was found in the DIO 4 mM group, whereas a statistically significant difference was found between the NAR 1 mM and NAR 2 mM groups (p<0.05). While the DIO 4 mM group had the highest acrosome integrity rate, a statistically significant difference was found between the other groups (p<0.05). Mitochondrial activity was the highest in the NAR 4 mM, DIO 4 mM and DIO 2 mM groups (p<0.05). In the analysis of the sperm membrane lipid profile, it was observed that the DIO group had the highest lipid-phospholipid ratio. In sperm membrane protein profile analysis, it was found that both additives exerted protective effects at different levels. The highest total protein content was seen in the DIO 4 mM and NAR 4 mM groups. 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OhDG) positivity was more common in the control group than in the DIO and NAR groups. Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression was lower in the control group and more intense in all other groups. Positive results were especially observed in the acrosome of the sperm cells. CONCLUSION: The addition of NAR and DIO to the ram semen extender increased the quality of sperm parameters after the freeze-thaw process.

Activity-based protein profiling and global proteome analysis reveal MASTL as a potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer

BackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignancy with limited therapeutic options for advanced stages. This study aimed to identify novel therapeutic targets for GC by profiling HSP90 client kinases.MethodsWe used mass spectrometry-based activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) with a desthiobiotin-ATP probe, combined with sensitivity analysis of HSP90 inhibitors, to profile kinases in a panel of GC cell lines. We identified kinases regulated by HSP90 in inhibitor-sensitive cells and investigated the impact of MASTL knockdown on GC cell behavior. Global proteomic analysis following MASTL knockdown was performed, and bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the resulting data.ResultsFour kinases—MASTL, STK11, CHEK1, and MET—were identified as HSP90-regulated in HSP90 inhibitor-sensitive cells. Among these, microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL) was upregulated in GC and associated with poor prognosis. MASTL knockdown decreased migration, invasion, and proliferation of GC cells. Global proteomic profiling following MASTL knockdown revealed NEDD4-1 as a potential downstream mediator of MASTL in GC progression. NEDD4-1 was also upregulated in GC and associated with poor prognosis. Similar to MASTL inhibition, NEDD4-1 knockdown suppressed migration, invasion, and proliferation of GC cells.ConclusionsOur multi-proteomic analyses suggest that targeting MASTL could be a promising therapy for advanced gastric cancer, potentially through the reduction of tumor-promoting proteins including NEDD4-1. This study enhances our understanding of kinase signaling pathways in GC and provides new insights for potential treatment strategies.

Molecular signatures of Haemonchus contortus infection in sheep: A comparative serum proteomic study on susceptible and resistant sheep breeds

Due to the negative impact of Haemonchus contortus in the tropics and subtropics, the detection of serum protein profiles that occur in infected sheep is of high relevance for targeted selective treatment strategies (TST). Herein, we integrated proteomics with phenotypic traits to elucidate physiological mechanisms associated to H. contortus infection in susceptible (Dorper – D) and resistant (Santa Inês – S) sheep breeds. Naïve female lambs were infected with H. contortus third-stage larvae on day zero (D0), and samples were collected weekly, for 28 days. Feces were used for individual fecal egg counts (FEC) blood for packed cell volume (PCV) and serum for specific antibody quantification through ELISA. Sera was collected on D0 (-) and D21 (+), and analyzed using a LC-MS/MS based proteomics approach. FEC, PCV, and anti-H. contortus antibody levels confirmed the absence of infection on D0. On D28 there was a significant difference between the two breeds for logFEC means (D = 3774 and S = 3141, p=0.033) and PCV means (D = 16.3 % and S = 24.3 %, p=0.038). From a total of 754 proteins identified, 68 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were noted. Phosphopyruvate hydratase (ENO3) was a DAP in all comparisons, while S+ vs D+ and S- vs D- shared the highest number of DAPs (8). Each of the four experimental groups clustered separately in a principal component analysis (PCA) of protein profile. Among the DAPs, proteins associated with the innate and adaptive immune system were detected when comparing S- vs D- and S+ vs D+. In D-, some proteins were linked to stress response to handling, sampling and heat. Focusing on the consequences of infection in each breed, in the D+ vs D- comparison, upregulated proteins were associated with inflammation control and immune response, where downregulated proteins pointed to a negative impact of infection on tissue anabolism, compromising muscle growth and fat deposition. In the S+ vs S- comparison, upregulated proteins were related to immune response, while the downregulated proteins were possibly linked to muscular development and growth, impaired by infection. Collectively, it can be concluded that ENO3 regulation emerges as a potential factor underlying the differential immune response observed between Santa Inês and Dorper sheep infected with H. contortus. In turn, detected acute phase proteins (APPs) reinforce their relation with infection, inflammation and stress conditions, whereas THEMIS-like may contribute to the immune system in Dorper. GSDMD, Guanylate-binding protein and ACAN warrant further investigation as possible biomarkers for TST strategy development.

FEATURES OF THE COURSE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE INTYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND IMPAIRED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE

Background. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance are common diseases with a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of disability and death. Our aim is to develop new methods for screening, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and impaired glucose tolerance. Methods and methods. This study is single-center, open-label, uncontrolled, diagnostic study. Between 2023 and February 2024, 216 patients with cardiovascular diseases and concomitant non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and impaired glucose tolerance were selected at Heart Center “University Medical Center” Corporate Fund. Results. All examined patients with cardiovascular diseases and concomitant non-alcoholic fatty liver disease showed increased liver enzyme activity. Blood lipid profile indicators were significantly higher than optimal levels for patients with cardiovascular diseases. There was also a significant increase in liver enzymes, C-reactive protein, triglycerides, and lipoproteins in patients with cardiovascular diseases and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease combined with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. Conclusion. Liver enzyme activity, C-reactive protein, glucose, and lipid profile analysis showed significant increases in these indicators in patients with cardiovascular diseases and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, especially in the presence of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. All examined patients showed increased liver enzyme activity and lipid levels, indicating the impact of these diseases on the liver and metabolism

Integrating Experimental and Computational Analyses of Yeast Protein Profiles for Optimizing the Production of High-Quality Microbial Proteins.

Microbial proteins represent a promising solution to address the escalating global demand for protein, particularly in regions with limited arable land. Yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are robust and safe protein-producing strains. However, the utilization of non-conventional yeast strains for microbial protein production has been hindered, partly due to a lack of comprehensive understanding of protein production traits. In this study, we conducted experimental analyses focusing on the growth, protein content, and amino acid composition of nine yeast strains, including one S. cerevisiae strain, three Yarrowia lipolytica strains, and five Pichia spp. strains. We identified that, though Y. lipolytica and Pichia spp. strains consumed glucose at a slower rate compared to S. cerevisiae, Pichia spp. strains showed a higher cellular protein content, and Y. lipolytica strains showed a higher glucose-to-biomass/protein yield and methionine content. We further applied computational approaches to explain that metabolism economy was the main underlying factor for the limited amount of scarce/carbon-inefficient amino acids (such as methionine) within yeast cell proteins. We additionally verified that the specialized metabolism was a key reason for the high methionine content in Y. lipolytica strains, and proposed Y. lipolytica strain as a potential producer of high-quality single-cell protein rich in scarce amino acids. Through experimental evaluation, we identified Pichia jadinii CICC 1258 as a potential strain for high-quality protein production under unfavorable pH/temperature conditions. Our work suggests a promising avenue for optimizing microbial protein production, identifying the factors influencing amino acid composition, and paving the way for the use of unconventional yeast strains to meet the growing protein demands.

Proteomic profiling of prostate cancer reveals molecular signatures under antiandrogen treatment

BackgroundTumorigenesis and progression of prostate cancer (PCa) are indispensably dependent on androgen receptor (AR). Antiandrogen treatment is the principal preference for patients with advanced PCa. However, the molecular characteristics of PCa with antiandrogen intervention have not yet been fully uncovered.MethodsWe first performed proteome analysis with 32 PCa tumor samples and 10 adjacent tissues using data-independent acquisition (DIA)- parallel accumulation serial fragmentation (PASEF) proteomics. Then label-free quantification (LFQ) mass spectrometry was employed to analyze protein profiles in LNCaP and PC3 cells.ResultsM-type creatine kinase CKM and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein COMP were demonstrated to have the potential to be diagnostic biomarkers for PCa at both mRNA and protein levels. Several E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) were significantly altered in PCa and PCa cells under enzalutamide treatment, and these proteins might reprogram proteostasis at protein levels in PCa. Finally, we discovered 127 significantly varied proteins in PCa samples with antiandrogen therapy and further uncovered 4 proteins in LNCaP cells upon enzalutamide treatment.ConclusionsOur research reveals new potential diagnostic biomarkers for prostate cancer and might help resensitize resistance to antiandrogen therapy.

Innovative strategies against superbugs: Developing an AI-CDSS for precise Stenotrophomonas maltophilia treatment

ObjectivesThe World Health Organization named Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM) a critical multi-drug resistant threat, necessitating rapid diagnostic strategies. Traditional culturing methods require up to 96 h, including 72 h for bacterial growth, identification with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) through protein profile analysis, and 24 h for antibiotic susceptibility testing. In this study, we aimed at developing an artificial intelligence-clinical decision support system (AI-CDSS) by integrating MALDI-TOF MS and machine learning to quickly identify levofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance in SM, optimizing treatment decisions. MethodsWe selected 8,662 SM from 165,299 MALDI-TOF MS-analysed bacterial specimens, collected from a major medical centre and four secondary hospitals. We exported mass-to-charge values and intensity spectral profiles from MALDI-TOF MS .mzML files to predict antibiotic susceptibility testing results, obtained with the VITEK-2 system using machine learning algorithms. We optimized the models with GridSearchCV and 5-fold cross-validation. ResultsWe identified distinct spectral differences between resistant and susceptible SM strains, demonstrating crucial resistance features. The machine learning models, including random forest, light-gradient boosting machine, and XGBoost, exhibited high accuracy. We established an AI-CDSS to offer healthcare professionals swift, data-driven advice on antibiotic use. ConclusionsMALDI-TOF MS and machine learning integration into an AI-CDSS significantly improved rapid SM resistance detection. This system reduced the identification time of resistant strains from 24 h to minutes after MALDI-TOF MS identification, providing timely and data-driven guidance. Combining MALDI-TOF MS with machine learning could enhance clinical decision-making and improve SM infection treatment outcomes.

DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) stimulates skin pigmentation by perturbing cytoskeletal homeostasis.

Phthalates are extensively employed plasticizers crucial for conferring flexibility and plasticity to polyvinyl chloride. Phthalates, including DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate), present in diverse products, have been identified in fine dust and are capable of infiltrating the body, potentially posing health hazards. Importantly, melanocytes, existing at the basal layer of the epidermis, are susceptible to toxic substances. In our study, we employed the 3D human pigmented epidermis model, MelanoDerm™, along with the B16F10 murine melanoma cell line, to examine the influence of DEHP exposure on melanocytes. The exposure to low concentrations of DEHP (~ 5μM), resulted in the extension of melanocyte dendrites, indicating the stimulation of melanocytes. Analysis of gene expression and protein profiles unveiled the up-regulation of MITF, Arpc2, and TRP1 genes subsequent to DEHP exposure, indicating alterations in cytoskeletal and melanosome-related genetic and protein components in melanocytes. Notably, increased pigmentation was observed in MelanoDerm™ following DEHP exposure. DEHP-stimulated reactive oxygen species generation appeared to be involved in these events since the antioxidant, ascorbic acid attenuated ROS generation and MITF upregulation. Collectively, our study demonstrated that DEHP exposure can induce cytoskeletal disturbance and skin pigmentation through oxidative stress.

Potential of MALDI-TOF MS biotyping to detect deltamethrin resistance in the dengue vector Aedes aegypti.

Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes is spreading worldwide and represents a growing threat to vector control. Insecticide resistance is caused by different mechanisms including higher metabolic detoxication, target-site modification, reduced penetration and behavioral changes that are not easily detectable with simple diagnostic methods. Indeed, most molecular resistance diagnostic tools are costly and labor intensive and then difficult to use for routine monitoring of insecticide resistance. The present study aims to determine whether mosquito susceptibility status against the pyrethroid insecticides (mostly used for mosquito control) could be established by the protein signatures of legs and/or thoraxes submitted to MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (MS). The quality of MS spectra for both body parts was controlled to avoid any bias due to unconformity protein profiling. The comparison of MS profiles from three inbreeds Ae. aegypti lines from French Guiana (IRF, IR03, IR13), with distinct deltamethrin resistance genotype / phenotype and the susceptible reference laboratory line BORA (French Polynesia), showed different protein signatures. On both body parts, the analysis of whole protein profiles revealed a singularity of BORA line compared to the three inbreeding lines from French Guiana origin, suggesting that the first criteria of differentiation is the geographical origin and/or the breeding history rather than the insecticide susceptibility profile. However, a deeper analysis of the protein profiles allowed to identify 10 and 11 discriminating peaks from leg and thorax spectra, respectively. Among them, a specific peak around 4870 Da was detected in legs and thoraxes of pyrethroid resistant lines compared to the susceptible counterparts hence suggesting that MS profiling may be promising to rapidly distinguish resistant and susceptible phenotypes. Further work is needed to confirm the nature of this peak as a deltamethrin resistant marker and to validate the routine use of MS profiling to track insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti field populations.

Proteomics screening after pediatric allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation reveals an association between increased expression of inhibitory receptor FCRL6 on γδ Tcells and cytomegalovirus reactivation.

We studied the associations between inflammation-related proteins in circulation and complications after pediatric allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), to reveal proteomic signatures or individual soluble proteins associated with specific complications after HSCT. We used a proteomics method called Proximity Extension Assay to repeatedly measure 180 different proteins together with clinical variables, cellular immune reconstitution and blood viral copy numbers in 27 children (1-18 years of age) during a 2-year follow-up after allogenic HSCT. Protein profile analysis was performed using unsupervised hierarchical clustering and a regression-based method, while the Bonferroni-corrected Mann-Whitney U-test was used for time point-specific comparison of individual proteins against outcome. At 6 months after allogenic HSCT, we could identify a protein profile pattern associated with occurrence of the complications such as chronic graft-versus-host disease, viral infections, relapse and death. When protein markers were analyzed separately, the plasma concentration of the inhibitory and cytotoxic T-cell surface protein FCRL6 (Fc receptor-like 6) was higher in patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia [log2-fold change 1.5 (P = 0.00099), 2.5 (P = 0.00035) and 2.2 (P = 0.045) at time points 6, 12 and 24 months]. Flow cytometry confirmed that FCRL6 expression was higher in innate-like γδ Tcells, indicating that these cells are involved in controlling CMV reactivation in HSCT recipients. In conclusion, the potentially druggable FCRL6 receptor on cytotoxic Tcells appears to have a role in controlling CMV viremia after HSCT. Furthermore, our results suggest that system-level analysis is a useful addition to the studying of single biomarkers in allogenic HSCT.

Identification of S100A8/A9 involved in thromboangiitis obliterans development using tandem mass tags-labeled quantitative proteomics analysis

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is characterized by inflammation and obstruction of small-and medium-sized distal arteries, with limited pharmacotherapies and surgical interventions. The precise pathogenesis of TAO remains elusive. By utilizing the technology of tandem mass tags (TMT) for quantitative proteomics and leveraging bioinformatics tools, a comparative analysis of protein profiles was conducted between normal and TAO rats to identify key proteins driving TAO development. The results unveiled 1385 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the TAO compared with the normal group-comprising 365 proteins with upregulated expression and 1020 proteins with downregulated expression. Function annotation through gene ontology indicated these DEPs mainly involved in cell adhesion, positive regulation of cell migration, and cytosol. The principal signaling pathways involved regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, vascular smooth contraction, and focal adhesion. The roles of these DEPs and associated signaling pathways serve as a fundamental framework for comprehending the mechanisms underpinning the onset and progression of TAO. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of S100A8/A9 and its inhibitor, paquinimod, on smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and in TAO rats. We observed that paquinimod reduces SMCs proliferation and migration, promotes phenotype switching and alleviates vascular stenosis in TAO rats. In conclusion, our study revealed that the early activation of S100A8/A9 in the femoral artery is implicated in TAO development, targeting S100A8/A9 signaling may provide a novel approach for TAO prevention and treatment.

Oxidative stress, inflammation, and steatosis elucidate the complex dynamics of HgCl2 induced liver damage in Channa punctata

Water bodies are highly pollution-prone areas in which mercury (Hg) is considered as a major menace to aquatic organisms. However, the information about the toxicity of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) in a vital organ such as the liver of fish is still inadequate. This study aimed to assess the impact of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) exposure on the liver of Channa punctata fish over 15, 30, and 45 days, at two different concentrations (0.039 mg/L and 0.078 mg/L). Mercury is known to be a significant threat to aquatic life, and yet, information regarding its effects on fish liver remains limited. The results of this study demonstrate that exposure to HgCl2 significantly increases oxidative stress markers, such as lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyls (PC), as well as the levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) in the fish. Additionally, the transcriptional and protein analysis of specific genes and molecules associated with necroptosis and inflammation, such as ABCG2, TNF α, Caspase 3, RIPK 3, IL-1β, Caspase-1, IL-18, and RIPK1, confirm the occurrence of necroptosis and inflammation in the liver. Histopathological and ultrastructural examinations of the liver tissue further reveal a significant presence of liver steatosis. Interestingly, the upregulation of PPARα suggests that the fish's body is actively responding to counteract the effects of liver steatosis. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of oxidative stress, biochemical changes, gene expression, protein profiles, and histological findings in the liver tissue of fish exposed to mercury pollution in freshwater environments.

Urine proteome profile of firefighters with exposure to emergency fire-induced smoke: A pilot study to identify potential carcinogenic effects

Firefighters are frequently exposed to a variety of chemicals formed from smoke, which pose a risk for numerous diseases, including cancer. Comparative urine proteome profiling could significantly improve our understanding of the early detection of potential cancer biomarkers. In this study, for the first time, we conducted a comparative protein profile analysis of 20 urine samples collected from ten real-life firefighters prior to and following emergency fire-induced smoke. Using a label-free quantitative proteomics platform, we identified and quantified 1325 unique protein groups, of which 45 proteins showed differential expressions in abundance in response to fire-smoke exposure (post) compared to the control (pre). Pathway analysis showed proteins associated with epithelium development (e.g., RHCG, HEG1, ADAMTSL2) and Alzheimer's disease (SORL1) were significantly increased in response to smoke exposure samples. A protein-protein-network study showed a possible link between these differentially abundant proteins and the known cancer gene (TP53). Moreover, a cross-comparison analysis revealed that seven proteins—ALDH1A1, APCS, POMC, COL2A1, RDX, DDAH2, and SDC4 overlapped with the previously published urine cancer proteome datasets, suggesting a potential cancer risk. Our findings demonstrated that the discovery proteomic platform is a promising analytical technique for identifying potential non-invasive biomarkers associated with fire-smoke exposure in firefighters that may be related to cancer.

Concentration of HSPA1A and transthyretin proteins in the blood serum of patients with bipolar disorder

IntroductionInsufficient knowledge about the pathophysiological processes in bipolar disorder (BD) leads to difficulties in differentiating this disorder from other affective disorders. Quantitative analysis of serum protein profiles in BD expands our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and may aid in subsequent diagnosis. As a result of a previously conducted comparative mass spectrometric study of serum proteins in patients with depression, bipolar disorder and healthy donors, increased expression of Heat Shock 70kDa Protein1A (HSPA1A) and transthyretin was identified.ObjectivesDetermination of HSPA1A and transthyretin concentrations in the blood serum of patients with mental disorders.MethodsBlood serum of 28 patients with bipolar disorder aged 49 years [33;52], 30 patients with recurrent depressive disorder aged 40 years [31; 51] and 130 patients with schizophrenia aged 38 years [31;49], as well as 20 mentally and somatically healthy individuals aged 35 years [31;40] was studied. The amount of Heat shock protein 1A (HSPA1A) and Transthyretin (thyroxine and retinol transport protein) was determined using a Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay Kit from Homo sapiens (Cloud-Clone Corp). Statistical data processing was carried out in the Statistica 12.0 program.ResultsA statistically significant (p = 0.016) increase in the level of HSPA1A was found in patients with BD (0.84 [0.59; 1.09] ng/ml), compared with healthy individuals (0.61 [0.51; 0.77] ng/ml). HSPA1A plays a pivotal role in the protein quality control system, ensuring the correct folding of proteins. It is known that this protein is involved in the embryonic development of the central nervous system, as well as in neuroprotection by preventing the death of neurons due to its anti-apoptotic properties. A statistically significant (p = 0.047) increase in the level of transthyretin was found in patients with BD 21.8 рg/ml, compared with healthy individuals 19.4 pg/ml. Transthyretin plays an important role in ensuring the normal state of the central nervous system and is involved in cognitive processes.ConclusionsThus, the HSPA1A and transthyretin are probably involved in the pathogenesis of BD and can be proposed as be proposed as an additional paraclinical criterion for differential diagnosis.Support by RSF №23-75-00023.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Protein profile analysis of Jilin white goose testicles at different stages of the laying cycle by DIA strategy

BackgroundJilin white goose is an excellent local breed in China, with a high annual egg production and laying eggs mainly from February to July each year. The testis, as the only organ that can produce sperm, can affect the sexual maturity and fecundity of male animals. Its growth and development are affected and regulated by a variety of factors. Proteomics is generally applied to identify and quantify proteins in cells and tissues in order to understand the physiological or pathological changes that occur in tissues or cells under specific conditions. Currently, the female poultry reproductive system has been extensively studied, while few related studies focusing on the regulatory mechanism of the reproductive system of male poultry have been conducted.ResultsA total of 1753 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were generated in which there were 594, 391 and 768 different proteins showing differential expression in three stages, Initial of Laying Cycle (ILC), Peak of Laying Cycle (PLC) and End of Laying Cycle (ELC). Furthermore, bioinformatics was used to analyze the DEPs. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment, Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were adopted. All DEPs were found to be implicated in multiple biological processes and pathways associated with testicular development, such as renin secretion, Lysosomes, SNARE interactions in vesicle trafficking, the p53 signaling pathway and pathways related to metabolism. Additionally, the reliability of transcriptome results was verified by real-time quantitative PCR by selecting the transcript abundance of 6 selected DEPs at the three stages of the laying cycle.ConclusionsThe funding in this study will provide critical insight into the complex molecular mechanisms and breeding practices underlying the developmental characteristics of testicles in Jilin white goose.

Discriminatory power of MALDI-TOF MS protein profiling analysis of pork meat and meat products

Forty different sample preparation methods were tested to obtain the most informative MALDI-TOF MS protein profiles of pork meat. Extraction by 25% formic acid with the assistance of zirconia-silica beads followed by defatting by methanol:chloroform mixture (1:1, v/v) and deposition by using the layer-by-layer method was determined as the optimum sample preparation protocol. The discriminatory power of the method was then examined on samples of pork meat and meat products. The method was able to discriminate between selected salami based on the production method and brand and was able to monitor the ripening process in salami. However, it was not able to differentiate between different brands of pork ham or closely located parts of pork meat. In the latter case, a more comprehensive analysis using LC-MS/MS was used to assess the differences in protein abundance and their relation to the outputs of MALDI – TOF MS profiling.