Expression Of Alpha Research Articles

PGC-1α drives small cell neuroendocrine cancer progression toward an ASCL1-expressing subtype with increased mitochondrial capacity

Adenocarcinomas from multiple tissues can converge to treatment-resistant small cell neuroendocrine (SCN) cancers composed of ASCL1, POU2F3, NEUROD1, and YAP1 subtypes. We investigated how mitochondrial metabolism influences SCN cancer (SCNC) progression. Extensive bioinformatics analyses encompassing thousands of patient tumors and human cancer cell lines uncovered enhanced expression of proliferator-activatedreceptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), a potent regulator of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), across several SCNCs. PGC-1α correlated tightly with increased expression of the lineage marker Achaete-scute homolog 1, (ASCL1) through a positive feedback mechanism. Analyses using a human prostate tissue-based SCN transformation system showed that the ASCL1 subtype has heightened PGC-1α expression and OXPHOS activity. PGC-1α inhibition diminished OXPHOS, reduced SCNC cell proliferation, and blocked SCN prostate tumor formation. Conversely, PGC-1α overexpression enhanced OXPHOS, validated by small-animal Positron Emission Tomography mitochondrial imaging, tripled the SCN prostate tumor formation rate, and promoted commitment to the ASCL1 lineage. These results establish PGC-1α as a driver of SCNC progression and subtype determination, highlighting metabolic vulnerabilities in SCNCs across different tissues.

The clinical significance of signal regulatory protein alpha expression in the immune environment of gastric cancer.

Signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) inhibits phagocytosis by macrophages by interacting with CD47. Despite its known role in various cancers, the clinical significance of SIRPα in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical implications of SIRPα in GC, exploring its relevance to immunotherapy efficacy and the tumor microenvironment. Two cohorts were studied: a gastrectomy cohort (137 patients) and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-treated cohort (19 patients with unresectable advanced GC who received nivolumab). Immunohistochemistry was used to assess SIRPα, CD80, CD163, CD8, and PD-L1 expressions. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox models were used to analyze the clinical outcomes. In vitro experiments used peripheral blood mononuclear cells and THP-1 macrophage cell lines to examine SIRPα responses to interferon-γ (IFN-γ). In the gastrectomy cohort, high SIRPα expression correlated with advanced tumor invasion, distant metastasis, and poor recurrence-free and overall survival. SIRPα expression was also significantly associated with macrophage and CD8 + T cells infiltration and PD-L1 expression. In the ICI-treated cohort, high SIRPα expression was associated with better overall survival after nivolumab induced. Moreover, in vitro IFN-γ stimulation upregulated SIRPα expression on monocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and THP-1 cells, suggesting high SIRPα expression may reflect an active immune microenvironment. SIRPα expression is not only a poor prognostic factor for GC, possibly through inhibition of the CD47-SIRP⍺ pathway, but may also be involved in the efficacy of ICI therapy in GC.

Modification of adipogenesis and oxidative stress by quercetin: positive or negative impact on adipose tissue metabolism of obese diabetic Zucker rats?

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the regulation of adipogenesis. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of quercetin (QCT) supplement on obese adipose tissue metabolism of 30-week-old diabetic Zucker rats (ZDF), not well examined yet. QCT was administered orally at dose of 20mg/kg body weight/day for 6 weeks. Adipocytes from subcutaneous adipose tissue (ScWAT) were isolated and their size was evaluated by light microscopy. Gene expression of adipogenic markers in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue was determined by real-time PCR and expression of proteins involved in lipid and glucose metabolism was determined in ScWAT by immunoblotting. Obese ZDF rats suffered from diabetes, hyperinsulinemia and had higher index HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance). Treatment with QCT had no significant impact on these metabolic disorders in genetic model of obesity and type 2 diabetes used in our study. Nevertheless, QCT reduced expression of inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha in ScWAT and also visceral adipose tissue and up-regulated expression of anti-inflammatory adiponectin in ScWAT. A shift in redox equilibrium was detected via inhibition of pro-oxidant genes by QCT. Furthermore, QCT reduced adipocyte size in ScWAT, down-regulated expression of fatty acid synthase and adipogenic markers, and moreover stimulated expression of proteolytic enzymes. These changes likely resulted in reduced fat deposition in ScWAT, which was reflected in the elevated circulated levels of free fatty acids in QCT-treated obese ZDF rats compared with obese untreated controls. This increase could, at least in part, explain why we did not observe an improvement in systemic metabolic health by QCT in our model. In conclusion, our study suggests that preventive treatment with QCT might be more effective than its administration in the stage of fully developed diabetes, and further research in this area is needed.

Abstract PR010: TRPV1+ sensory innervation as a novel driver of ovarian cancer progression

Abstract Introduction: A primary challenge currently faced in ovarian cancer (OVCA) treatment is that patient prognoses remain poor despite current therapeutic interventions. Overall survival for OVCA patients with advanced disease is <30%, and most patients recur within 5 years. As such, there is a critical need for new therapies that can overcome OVCA chemoresistance and produce meaningful increases in patient survival. Recent efforts that have targeted the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have been successful in some cancers but have limited therapeutic benefit when used to treat OVCA. Thus, new TME targeting therapies must be developed to effectively treat OVCA patients. A novel TME component ripe for therapeutic targeting are the nerve fibers that infiltrate tumors. Recent studies in several cancers have shown that tumor innervation can promote tumor growth/metastasis. However, in ovarian cancer the role of innervation in promoting cancer progression remains a gap in knowledge. Here we show that Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 1 (TRPV1)+ sensory innervation plays a significant role in driving ovarian cancer progression. Methods: We performed IHC staining to determine the extent of TRPV1+ nerve infiltration in OVCA vs normal reproductive tissue in patients. We examined the ability of OVCA cells to promote tumor innervation using a neurite outgrowth assay. We utilized both syngeneic and patient derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models of ovarian cancer metastasis, where mouse or human OVCA cells were injected intraperitoneally, to explore the functional role of TRPV1+ sensory nerves in OVCA. TRPV1+ sensory nerves were ablated genetically using TRPV1 driven expression of diphtheria toxin alpha (DTA) or chemically using resiniferatoxin. TRPV1+ sensory nerves were activated pharmacologically using capsaicin. Results: Analysis of patient samples showed that TRPV1+ sensory innervation is much higher in ovarian tumors vs benign reproductive tissue. We found that conditioned media from OVCA cells was able to promote neurite outgrowth of dissociated mouse sensory neurons. Ablation of TRPV1+ sensory nerve fibers in vivo caused reduced tumor burden and prolonged survival in our syngeneic and PDX OVCA mouse models. Stimulation of TRPV1+ sensory nerves with capsaicin accelerated OVCA growth and decreased survival in tumor bearing mice. Conclusions: Our results establish TRPV1+ sensory innervation as a novel driver of OVCA growth/metastasis and a potential therapeutic target for OVCA treatment. Significance to tumor microenvironment field: Our data add to a growing body of evidence that sensory nerves are pro-tumorigenic in multiple cancer types and could be therapeutically targeted for cancer treatment. Citation Format: Matthew Knarr, Katherine Cummins, Dusan Racordon, Hunter Reavis, Timothy Lippert, Ryan Hausler, Priyanka Rawat, Jamie Moon, Dave S.B. Hoon, Roger Greenberg, Paola Vermeer, Ronny Drapkin. TRPV1+ sensory innervation as a novel driver of ovarian cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Tumor-body Interactions: The Roles of Micro- and Macroenvironment in Cancer; 2024 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(22_Suppl):Abstract nr PR010.

TissueGene-C induces anti-inflammatory activity and M2 macrophage polarization via activation of prostaglandin E2 signaling

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the knees, hips, and hands. OA is a mechano-inflammatory disease characterized by low-grade inflammation, which results in the breakdown of the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) within joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation. TissueGene-C (TG-C) is a cell and gene therapy investigational drug for treating knee OA that comprises human allogenic chondrocytes and an irradiated modified cell line stably expressing transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Previous preclinical animal studies have shown that TG-C provides pain relief via its anti-inflammatory effects and cartilage structural improvement in rat OA model. The goal of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of TG-C, explore its anti-inflammatory activity, and identify the TG-C-derived active factor(s) responsible for its efficacy. Our results showed that TG-C induces the polarization of M2 macrophages and the upregulation of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) while inhibiting tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression. Additionally, this study identified prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as the main bioactive factor responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of TG-C. Our results demonstrated that PGE2 is expressed by the TG-C chondrocyte component and modulated by TGF-β1 derived from the second component of TG-C. Finally, the present study provides insight into the mechanism of action of TG-C in the treatment of OA.

Variability of folate receptor alpha expression by race among recurrent ovarian cancer patients

Variability of folate receptor alpha expression by race among recurrent ovarian cancer patients

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor attenuates left ventricular dysfunction in post-myocardial infarction in rats via reducing cardiac mitochondrial impairment

Abstract Background Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) is a class of antidiabetic drugs that has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in heart failure patients, regardless of diabetic status. Although current evidence regarding the role of SGLT2i in myocardial infarction (MI) is still limited, a recent randomized study reported the favorable effects of dapagliflozin on cardiometabolic outcomes in post-MI patients. Nevertheless, the evidence of the underlying mechanism of SGLT2i in post-MI is still unclear. Purpose We aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects and cellular mechanisms of SGLT2i in post-MI rats. Methods 72 male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: the MI group, which underwent surgery involving permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce MI (n=58), and the sham group, which underwent a sham operation (n=14). One-week post-surgery, echocardiography was performed. For inclusion in the MI group, only rats exhibiting anterior wall akinesia and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% were considered. Subsequently, MI rats were stratified into three groups to receive different interventions: 1) MI+VEH (distilled water, PO, n=13), 2) MI+DAPA (dapagliflozin, 1 mg/kg, PO, n=11), and 3) MI+ENA (enalapril, 10 mg/kg, PO, n=14). After 8 weeks of treatment, echocardiography was performed again. Then, the rats were sacrificed, and heart tissues were used to determine mitochondrial function and protein expressions. Results After 8 weeks of treatment, the MI+VEH group exhibited a decrease in LVEF compared to the sham group (Fig. 1A). The MI+VEH group was associated with cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction, as indicated by increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and mitochondrial swelling, and impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, as indicated by decreasing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) expressions (Fig. 1B-F). Treatment with dapagliflozin and enalapril effectively attenuated left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, reversed mitochondrial dysfunction, and restored mitochondrial biogenesis induced by MI (Fig. 1A-F). Conclusion SGLT2i could attenuate LV dysfunction and restore mitochondrial dysfunction in post-MI rats. These findings demonstrate SGLT2i as a novel cardioprotection against post-MI complications.

Carvacrol potentiates immunity and sorafenib anti-cancer efficacy by targeting HIF-1α/STAT3/ FGL1 pathway: in silico and in vivo study.

Hypoxia and tumor cell immunological escape greatly hinder the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment efficiency. This study is designed to investigate the capability of carvacrol (CVR) to enhance sorafenib (SOR) anti-cancer efficacy and modulate anti-HCC immunity. CVR target and biological activities were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction website and PASS web server. UALCAN and LinkedOmics databases were used to examine hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) expression and the relationship between studied genes and tumor clinical features. Kaplan-Meier plotter (KM plotter) and TISIDB databases were used to illustrate correlation of HIF-1α with HCC prognosis and immune infiltration. The binding affinities of CVR to p300, KAT2B, CREBBP, and Hsp90 were demonstrated by molecular docking. In vivo analysis was performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The STAT3, JAK2, and fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) expressions were assessed by qRT-PCR. FGL1 was determined by ELISA. CD8+ T cell number was counted by flow cytometry. HIF-1α was determined by immunohistochemistry. CVR showed an HIF-1α inhibitory potential, which is highly expressed in HCC tissues. Also, elevated HIF-1α expression has been found to be correlated with clinicopathological characteristics, poor survival in HCC patients, and tumor immune cell infiltration. CVR/SOR enhanced liver functions and decreased AFP level. CVR/SOR hindered HCC progression by downregulating STAT3, JAK2, and FGL1. CVR/SOR induced tumor immunity via increasing CD8+ T cells. CVR/SOR is a powerful combination for tumor repression and enhancing SOR efficiency in HCC by modulating FGL1. Moreover, CVR/SOR might exert the aforementioned effects through HIF-1α/STAT3/FGL1 pathway.

Morphological assessment of angiogenesis factor expression in tumor and microenvironment of breast fibroadenoma and ductal carcinoma: An observational cohort study

Background. Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the progression of breast cancer. Identifying and investigating the key components of this process, focused on phenotype as well as microenvironment of the tumor, is considered highly relevant for understanding tumor biology. Studies into the expression of angiogenesis-related factors by means of immunohistochemical methods appear valuable for both assessing conventional chemotherapy options and identifying new targets in targeted therapy for breast cancer. Objectives. To investigate angiogenesis in breast ductal carcinoma by assessing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-2, and hypoxia-inducible factor alpha in the context of various therapeutic strategies. Methods. An observational cohort study was conducted using biopsy samples from female patients with confirmed diagnoses of “fibroadenoma” and “ductal carcinoma of the breast,” residents of the Republic of Crimea, who applied to oncological hospitals in Simferopol from January 2021 to January 2023. Examination involved histological sections of breast tumor tissue from 68 patients with verified diagnoses of “ductal carcinoma” and “fibroadenoma” (the mean age of the patients was 65 ± 5). The following cohorts were formed in the study: control group, consisting of patients with breast fibroadenoma (n = 20); two subgroups of patients with ductal carcinoma of the breast (n = 48), including Group I — patients with ductal carcinoma of the breast who had not received chemotherapy (n = 23), Group II — patients with ductal carcinoma of the breast, who underwent surgery following one or more courses of chemotherapy (n = 25). The study involved examining the tumor tissue sections obtained from paraffin blocks, assessing the expression of angiogenesis markers via immunohistochemistry using primary antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin 2, and hypoxia-inducible factor alpha. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft, USA). Differences were considered significant at error probability p ≤ 0.05. The value of p < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant for all types of analysis. Results. The expression of hypoxia-inducible and vascular growth factors differed significantly between both groups with breast ductal carcinoma as well as when compared to the control group. The hypoxia-inducible factor having cytoplasmic localization was detected in the control group with benign processes, whereas the nuclear expression was noted in the breast ductal carcinoma groups. Significant differences in the nuclear expression of hypoxia-inducible factor have been established among groups of patients with confirmed ductal carcinoma of the breast: in Group II, which underwent chemotherapy, expression was notably higher in both the tumor stroma and in the stroma of tumor-free areas. The hypoxia-inducible factor expression was significantly greater at the demarcation zone than that observed in samples from surgically treated women in Group I (p = 0.033; p = 0.034, p < 0.001, respectively). In the tumor epithelium of patients with breast ductal carcinoma, vascular endothelial growth factor was expressed significantly more intensively in the group who did not receive chemotherapy compared to the other group (p < 0.001). Conversely, in the tumor stroma, angiopoietin exhibited significantly higher expression levels among patients who underwent chemotherapy compared to those who received no treatment; this was observed in both the tumor areas due to endothelial cell involvement (p = 0.004) and in conditionally healthy regions of the breast (p < 0.001). In the control group represented by fibroadenoma patients, the expression of the studied factors is more pronounced than in the groups with ductal carcinoma of the breast. Conclusion. The obtained data indicate the activation of angiogenesis processes in the group of patients after chemotherapy, as evidenced by the increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and angiopoietin. This result is associated with the high prevalence of resistant forms of breast ductal carcinoma in Group II. The study of the signaling pathways of angiogenesis and its components provides valuable insights into patterns of occurrence and strategies to overcome chemotherapy resistance in ductal carcinoma of the breast.

Activation of nuclear receptor pregnane-X-receptor protects against abdominal aortic aneurysm by inhibiting oxidative stress

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition, but effective medications to prevent its progression and rupture are currently lacking. The nuclear receptor pregnane-X-receptor (PXR) plays a crucial role in vascular homeostasis. However, the role of PXR in AAA development remains unknown. We first detected the PXR expression in human and murine AAA tissues by RT-qPCR and Western blot. To investigate the potential role of PXR in the development of AAA, we used adeno-associated virus-mediated overexpression of PXR and pharmacological activation of PXR by ginkgolide A (GA) in mouse AAA models induced by both angiotensin II (AngII) and calcium phosphate [Ca3(PO4)2]. The underlying mechanism was further explored using RNA-sequencing and molecular biological analyses. We found a significant decrease in both mRNA and protein levels of PXR in both human and murine aortic smooth muscle cells from AAA tissues, accompanied with phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cell and increased oxidative stress. PXR overexpression in abdominal aortas and GA treatment successfully suppressed AAA formation in both mouse AAA models. RNA-sequencing data revealed that PXR activation inhibited gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit alpha3 (GABRA3) expression. Additional mechanistic studies identified that PXR suppressed AAA through mitigating GABRA3-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and subsequent phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Interestingly, p-JNK was found to induce ubiquitin-proteasome degradation of PXR. In summary, our data unveiled, for the first time, the protective role of PXR against AAA pathogenesis by inhibiting oxidative stress. These findings suggested PXR as a promising therapeutic target for AAA.

(E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone, a Major Homoisoflavonoid, Attenuates Free Fatty Acid-Induced Hepatic Steatosis by Activating AMPK and PPARα Pathways in HepG2 Cells.

(E)-5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-chromanone (HMC), a homoisoflavonoid isolated from Portulaca oleracea, has significant anti-adipogenesis potential; it regulates adipogenic transcription factors. However, whether HMC improves hepatic steatosis in hepatocytes remains vague. This study investigated whether HMC ameliorates hepatic steatosis in free fatty acid-treated human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, and if so, its mechanism of action was analyzed. Hepatic steatosis was induced by a free fatty acid mixture in HepG2 cells. Thereafter, different HMC concentrations (10, 30, and 50 µM) or fenofibrate (10 µM, a PPARα agonist, positive control) was treated in HepG2 cells. HMC markedly decreased lipid accumulation and triglyceride content in free fatty acid-treated HepG2 cell; it (10 and 50 μM) markedly upregulated protein expressions of pAMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. HMC (10 and 50 μM) markedly inhibited the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-coA desaturase 1, which are the enzymes involved in lipid synthesis. Furthermore, HMC (10 and 50 μM) markedly upregulated the protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and enhanced the protein expressions of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 and acyl-CoA oxidase 1. HMC inhibits lipid accumulation and promotes fatty acid oxidation by AMPK and PPARα pathways in free fatty acid-treated HepG2 cells, thereby attenuating hepatic steatosis.

Retinoic acid receptor alpha expression in endometrioid heterotopias and the endometrium of patients with endometriosis

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound, which is a biologically inactive food form and undergoes transformation by cytosolic alcohol dehydrogenases and microsomal retinol dehydrogenases into retinaldehyde, followed by oxidation by retinaldehyde dehydrogenases 1, 2 and 3 into retinoic acid. All-trans-retinoic acid has been identified as an active metabolite of retinoic acid, indirectly participating in various processes: differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Based on a number of studies, the role of retinoic acid and its receptors in various diseases has been proven. For example, the destruction of the RAR-β gene by the integration of the hepatitis B virus into its loci can be a factor in the development of human hepatocellular carcinoma. Subsequently, it was described that the characteristic point of interruption of translocation t(15:17), observed in acute promyelocytic leukemia, was located at the locus encoding retinoic acid receptor-α. As a result, in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, complete remission of the disease could often be achieved by treatment with high doses of all-trans-retinoic acid. Existing data on the ability of retinol to influence the processes of differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis indicate that retinol may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, but the mechanisms of its effect on the disease are subject to further study. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the retinoic acid receptor alpha expression in endometrioid heterotopias and the endometrium of patients with different endometriosis stages according to the Revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study to determine the retinoic acid receptor alpha expression in the endometrium and endometrioid heterotopias of patients with endometriosis (n = 28) and of the control group (n = 10). RESULTS: The retinoic acid receptor alpha expression in endometrioid heterotopias was lower compared to the eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis and the endometrium of patients in the control group by 3.4 and two times, respectively (p 0.001; the Kruskal – Wallis method). CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained indicate the involvement of retinol in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Despite the relative increase in retinol level in the peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid in patients with endometriosis compared to the control group, shown in our previous studies, the reduced retinoic acid receptor alpha expression in endometrioid heterotopias does not allow for full binding of vitamin A to the receptor and is accompanied by its improper metabolism.

Combined PET Radiotracer Approach Reveals Insights into Stromal Cell-Induced Metabolic Changes in Pancreatic Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo.

Background/Objective Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are producing extracellular matrix, which promotes the formation of a dense fibrotic microenvironment. This makes PDAC a highly heterogeneous tumor-stroma-driven entity, associated with reduced perfusion, limited oxygen supply, high interstitial fluid pressure, and limited bioavailability of therapeutic agents. Methods In this study, spheroid and tumor xenograft models of human PSCs and PanC-1 cells were characterized radiopharmacologically using a combined positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer approach. [18F]FDG, [18F]FMISO, and [18F]FAPI-74 were employed to monitor metabolic activity, hypoxic metabolic state, and functional expression of fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα), a marker of activated PSCs. Results In vitro, PanC-1 and multi-cellular tumor spheroids demonstrated comparable glucose uptake and hypoxia, whereas FAPα expression was significantly higher in PSC spheroids. In vivo, glucose uptake as well as the transition to hypoxia were comparable in PanC-1 and multi-cellular xenograft models. In mice injected with PSCs, FAPα expression decreased over a period of four weeks post-injection, which was attributed to the successive death of PSCs. In contrast, FAPα expression increased in both PanC-1 and multi-cellular xenograft models over time due to invasion of mouse fibroblasts. Conclusion The presented models are suitable for subsequently characterizing stromal cell-induced metabolic changes in tumors using noninvasive molecular imaging techniques.

Positive effects of a mixture of fish oil and soybean oil as a dietary lipid source on the ovarian development and health of female giant river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii broodstock

Lipids are key nutrients that affect the development of the ovary in aquatic animals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different lipid sources on the ovarian development and health of Macrobrachium rosenbergii broodstock. The M. rosenbergii broodstock, with an initial body weight of 8.07±0.74 g, were fed diets containing 5 % fish oil (FO), soya bean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), coconut oil (CO), and a 1:1 mixture of fish oil and soybean oil (MO) as lipid sources for a period of 56 days. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in survival rate (SR) and hepatopancreatic index (HSI) among the different groups (P > 0.05). However, the specific growth rate (SGR) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) in the MO group were significantly higher than other groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, fatty acid levels in diets directly influenced the fatty acid composition of prawn hepatopancreas, showing a similar trend to that observed in the diet itself. Furthermore, compared to the other trial groups, haemolymph levels of 17-β estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PROG) were significantly increased in the MO group (P < 0.05). The ovarian section also exhibited better histomorphology and larger oocyte diameter in this group. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the MO group (P < 0.05). Saturated fatty acids in RO and CO groups could promote the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes fatty acid synthase (fas) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc), concurrently suppressing the expression of lipid catabolism-related genes acyl-CoA oxidase-1 (acox-1) and AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (ampkα) (P < 0.05). Conversely, polyunsaturated fatty acids in the MO group significantly up-regulated the expression levels of fatty acid binding protein-3 (fabp-3) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (pparγ) (P < 0.05). Based on the findings of hepatopancreatic tissue structure, it was determined that the use of a single vegetable oil resulted in some damage to the hepatopancreatic tissue structure of M. rosenbergii broodstock, leading to increased oxidative stress. In conclusion, it is recommended that a 1:1 mixture of fish oil and soybean oil be used as a dietary lipid source to effectively meet the nutritional requirements during the ovarian development period of M. rosenbergii broodstock. This combination also enhances antioxidant properties, promotes the synthesis of haemolymph steroid hormones and lipid metabolism in female prawns, thereby facilitating ovarian development and overall health of M. rosenbergii broodstock.

Fetal hypoxia exposure induced Hif1a activation and autophagy in adult ovary granulosa cells.

Environmental hypoxia adversely impacts the reproduction of humans and animals. Previously, we showed that fetal hypoxia exposure led to granulosa cell (GC) autophagic cell death via the Foxo1/Pi3k/Akt pathway. However, the upstream regulatory mechanisms underlying GC dysfunction remain largely unexplored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that fetal hypoxia exposure altered gene expression programs in adult GCs and impaired ovarian function. We established a fetal hypoxia model in which pregnant mice were maintained in a high-plateau hypoxic environment from gestation day (E) 0--16.5 to study the impact of hypoxia exposure on the ovarian development and subsequent fertility of offspring. Compared with the unexposed control, fetal hypoxia impaired fertility by disordering ovarian function. Specifically, fetal hypoxia caused mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidant stress and autophagy in GCs in the adult ovary. RNA-seq analysis revealed that 437 genes were differentially expressed in the adult GCs of exposed animals. Western blotting results also revealed that fetal exposure induced high levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif1a) expression in adult GCs. We then treated GCs isolated from exposed mice with PX-478, a specific pharmacological inhibitor of Hif-1a, and found that autophagy and apoptosis were effectively alleviated. Finally, by using a human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN) to simulate hypoxia in vitro, we showed that Hif1a regulated autophagic cell death in GCs through the Pi3k/Akt pathway. Together, these findings suggest that fetal hypoxia exposure induced persistent Hif1a expression, which impaired mitochondrial function and led to autophagic cell death in the GCs of the adult ovary.

Effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on estrous cycle, and behavior and expression of estrogen receptor alpha and oxytocin during estrus and diestrus in mice offspring.

Increasing evidence indicates that prenatal cocaine exposure may result in many developmental and long-lasting neurological and behavioral effects. The behaviors of female animals are strongly associated with the estrous cycle. Estrogen receptors and oxytocin are important neuroendocrine factors that regulate social behavior and are of special relevance to females. However, whether prenatal cocaine exposure induces estrous cycle changes in offspring and whether neurobehavioral changes in estrus and diestrus offspring differ remains unclear. On gestational day 12, mice were administered cocaine once daily for seven consecutive days, then the estrous cycle was examined in adult female offspring, as well as locomotion, anxiety level, and social behaviors, and the expression of estrogen receptor alpha-immunoreactive and oxytocin-immunoreactive neurons were compared between estrus and diestrus offspring. Prenatal cocaine exposure resulted in the shortening of proestrus and estrus in the offspring. During estrus and diestrus, prenatally cocaine-exposed offspring showed increased anxiety levels and changed partial social behaviors; their motility showed no significant differences in estrus, but declined in diestrus. Prenatal cocaine exposure reduced estrogen receptor alpha-immunoreactive expression in the medial preoptic area, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, and arcuate nucleus and oxytocin-immunoreactive expression in the paraventricular nucleus in estrus and diestrus offspring. These results suggest that prenatal cocaine exposure induces changes in the offspring's estrous cycle and expression of estrogen receptor alpha and oxytocin in a brain region-specific manner and that prenatal cocaine exposure and the estrous cycle interactively change motility and partial social behavior. Estrogen receptor alpha and oxytocin signaling are likely to play important concerted roles in mediating the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on the offspring.

COPD-Like Phenotypes in TBC-Treated Mice Can be Effectively Alleviated via Estrogen Supplement.

Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TBC), recognized as an endocrine disruptor, can cause inflammatory injury to the lung tissue of mice. To investigate the specific respiratory effects of TBC, male C57BL/6J mice were administered a daily dose of 20 mg/kg of TBC over 14 days. Postexposure, these mice developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-like symptoms characterized by inflammatory lung damage and functional impairment. In light of the antiestrogenic properties of TBC, we administrated estradiol (E2) to investigate its potential protective role against TBC-induced damage and found that the coexposure of E2 notably mitigated the COPD-like phenotypes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that TBC exposure reduced estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression and increased nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) expression, while E2 treatment rebalanced the expression levels of ERα and NF-κB to their normative states. Our findings indicate that TBC, as an antiestrogenic agent, may contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD through an ERα-mediated inflammatory pathway, but that E2 treatment could reverse the impairment, providing a potentially promising remedial treatment. Given the lung status as a primary target of air pollution, the presence of antiestrogenic compounds like TBC in atmospheric particulates presents a significant concern, with the potential to exacerbate respiratory conditions such as COPD and pneumonia.

Superior antitumor immune response achieved with proton over photon immunoradiotherapy is amplified by the nanoradioenhancer NBTXR3

Recent findings suggest that immunoradiotherapy (IRT), combining photon radiotherapy (XRT) or proton radiotherapy (PRT) with immune checkpoint blockade, can enhance systemic tumor control. However, the comparative efficacy of XRT and PRT in IRT remains understudied. To address this, we compared outcomes between XRT + αPD1 and PRT + αPD1 in murine αPD1-resistant lung cancer (344SQR). We also assessed the impact of the nanoparticle radioenhancer NBTXR3 on both XRT + αPD1 and PRT + αPD1 for tumor control and examined the tumor immune microenvironment using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). Additionally, mice cured by NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 were rechallenged with three lung cancer cell lines to evaluate memory antitumor immunity. PRT + αPD1 showed superior local tumor control and abscopal effects compared to XRT + αPD1. NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 significantly outperformed NBTXR3 + XRT + αPD1 in tumor control, promoting greater infiltration of antitumor lymphocytes into irradiated tumors. Unirradiated tumors treated with NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 had more NKT cells, CD4 T cells, and B cells, with fewer Tregs, than those treated with NBTXR3 + XRT + αPD1. NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 also stimulated higher expression of IFN-γ, GzmB, and Nkg7 in lymphocytes, reduced the TGF-β pathway, and increased tumor necrosis factor alpha expression compared to NBTXR3 + XRT + αPD1. Moreover, NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 resulted in greater M1 macrophage polarization in both irradiated and unirradiated tumors. Mice achieving remission through NBTXR3 + PRT + αPD1 exhibited a robust memory immune response, effectively inhibiting growth of subsequent tumors from three distinct lung cancer cell lines. Proton IRT combined with NBTXR3 offers enhanced tumor control and survival rates over photon-based treatments in managing αPD1-resistant lung cancer, indicating its potential as a potent systemic therapy.Graphical

Omega-3 fatty acids protect cartilage from acute injurie by reducing the mechanical sensitivity of chondrocytes

Acute cartilage injuries, such as intra-articular fractures and blunt impacts, frequently result in chondrocyte death and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, significantly elevating the risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Despite advances in treatment, no effective therapies currently exist to fully cure PTOA or halt its progression. This study explores the protective effects of the dietary fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on human primary chondrocytes (HPCs) and cartilage explants exposed to mechanical overload and blunt trauma. HPCs were isolated and subjected to mechanical stretching using BioFlex six-well culture plates, while cartilage explants were subjected to impact loading via a customized drop tower. EPA was incorporated into the culture medium, followed by assays to evaluate cell viability, calcium (Ca²⁺) influx, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and collagen type II alpha (Col-2a) expression. EPA treatment markedly decreased chondrocyte mechanical sensitivity, as demonstrated by enhanced cell viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Furthermore, EPA inhibited Piezo1 activation, leading to lower intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations, decreased apoptosis, and diminished ROS levels. In cartilage explants, EPA improved chondrocyte viability, minimized structural damage, and sustained higher Col-2a expression compared to the blunt trauma group. These results indicate that EPA effectively shields chondrocytes and cartilage explants from mechanical overload-induced damage by inhibiting Piezo1 activation and mitigating Ca²⁺ influx, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. The findings suggest that EPA supplementation could offer a promising strategy for preventing PTOA progression following acute cartilage injuries. Further research is warranted to assess the clinical applications of EPA and confirm its efficacy in larger animal models and human trials.

Interleukin-11Rα2 in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus affects depression-related behaviors and the AKT-BDNF pathway

Depression is a widespread emotional disorder with complex pathogenesis. An essential function of the hypothalamus is to regulate emotional disorders. However, further investigation is required to identify the pathogenic genes and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the onset of depression within the hypothalamus. Through RNA-sequencing analysis, this study identified the upregulated expression of interleukin-11 receptor alpha 2 (IL-11Rα2) in the hypothalamus of mice with chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced depression. This substantial increase in IL-11Rα2, not IL-11Rα1 expression levels in the hypothalamus under the influence of CUS was found to be associated with depression-related behaviors. We further showed that IL-11Rα2 is expressed in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons of the hypothalamus. Male and female mice exhibited behaviors association with depression, when IL-11Rα2 or its ligand IL-11 was overexpressed in the ARC POMC neurons through the action of an adeno-associated virus. In addition, reductions in the expression levels of proteins involved in the protein kinase B signaling pathways and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were observed upon overexpression of IL-11Rα2 in the hypothalamic ARC. This study emphasizes the importance of IL-11Rα2 in the hypothalamus ARC in the development of depression, and presents it as a potential novel target for depression treatment.