VEGF Research Articles

COMBINED EFFECT OF TOPICAL APPLICATION OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL (VCO) AND BLACK CUMIN OIL (NIGELLA SATIVA) ON THE UPREGULATION OF VEGF GENE EXPRESSION AND WOUND HEALING IN DIABETIC ULCERATED RATS.

Objective: Traditional therapies are increasingly explored as alternative methods for the management of diabetic ulcer. VCO and black cumin oil has attracted attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in promoting skin wound healing.
 Methods: The rats were induced with one dose diabetes mellitus through the of intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 55 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were monitored weekly for assessment. The wound was created using a 10-mm diameter punch biopsy. An experimental methodology was used, comprising the division of 30 rats into six groups, namely control, VCO, black cumin oil, and combinations of VCO and black cumin oil labeled as C1, C2, and C3. The formulated treatments were topically applied to wound for 7 and 14 d. At the end of the treatment, the samples were sacrificed and wound was excised, followed by molecular biological analysis and histopathological examination.
 Results: On day 7, VEGF gene expression showed the highest increase in the C3 group, with an average of 1.85±0.10. Meanwhile, the highest increase on day 14 was observed in the C3 group, with an average of 1.69±0.11. C3 group treated wounds healed much faster, as indicated by a decreased time of complete epithelization and higher levels of various skin components.
 Conclusion: The combination of VCO and black cumin oil could be used as an agent to accelerate wound healing in diabetic conditions, as indicated by the increased expression of VEGF gene.

Analysis of the relationship between <i>Cxcl12, Tweak, Notch1 and Yap1</i> mRNA expression in the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis

Currently, data on the molecular mechanisms of fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver do not allow us to fully understand all the stages in the development of these pathological processes. It is known that individual genes and signaling pathways do not function independently. Relations between them play a huge role in the implementation of their functions. Due to the complexity of studying this factor, information about their relationship is insufficient and often contradictory. In the present work, for the first time at different stages of thioacetamide-induced fibrosis in the liver of Wistar rats, mRNA expression of Notch1, Notch2, Yap1, Tweak (Tnfsf12), Fn14 (Tnfrsf12a), Ang, Vegfa, Cxcl12 (Sdf), Nos2, and Mmp-9 genes was studied in detail. Using factor analysis, three factors were obtained that combined highly correlated target genes with each other. The first factor includes four genes: Cxcl12 (r = 0.829, p 0.05), Tweak (r = 0.841, p 0.05), Notch1 (r = 0.848, p 0.05), Yap1 (r = 0.921, p 0.05). The second factor describes the correlations between the Mmp-9 (r = 0.791, p 0.05) and Notch2 (r = 0.836, p 0.05) genes. The third factor included genes Ang (r = 0.748, p 0.05) and Vegfa (r = 0.679, p 0.05). The Nos2 and Fn14 genes were not included in any of the factors. The selected genes classified on the basis of mRNA expression levels suggest that their products have a pathogenetic relationship in the processes of fibrotic changes in the liver of toxic etiology. Undoubtedly, the results obtained are of fundamental interest and require further expansion in the study of fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver.

A40 THE ROLE OF HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE FACTOR IN CELLULAR METABOLIC ADAPTATION UPON GIARDIA INFECTION

Abstract Background Recent findings have highlighted the integral role of oxygen tension in gastrointestinal (GI) homeostasis. During hypoxia when oxygen supply is limited, mammalian cells utilize the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) complex to activate genes that promote cell survival and alter glucose metabolism. The GI system exists in a state of physiologic hypoxia, subject to further alterations by pathogens. Although tissue and blood parasites are known to influence tissue oxygen tension, little is known regarding the modulation of hypoxia and HIF by enteric parasites. Aims This project aims to characterize the effect of Giardia duodenalis, a common enteric protozoan that perturbs gastrointestinal function leading to diarrheal disease, on the cellular hypoxic response. We hypothesize that hypoxia-associated genes are activated upon Giardia infection, leading to an adaptive metabolic response with increased glycolytic flux to maintain cellular bioenergetic homeostasis. Methods Caco-2 colonic epithelial cells were infected with Giardia isolate GS/M (MOI 10) for 1.5 or 4.5 hours to capture early and peak HIF activation, under normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (1%O2, STEMCELL hypoxia incubator) conditions. RNA was extracted for RT-qPCR to assess transcriptional changes of known HIF-target genes. Intracellular metabolite analysis via liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry (hydrophilic-interaction chromatography method) was performed to assess HIF-mediated metabolic changes in uninfected and Giardia-infected cells (MOI 10) exposed to the hypoxia mimetic DMOG or the HIF inhibitor PX-478. Results Under normoxic conditions, genes associated with compensatory cellular stress responses such as VEGFA, ANKRD37, GADD45A, and glycolysis-associated genes HK2, and LDHA are upregulated in Giardia-infected cells in a time-dependent manner (pampersand:003C0.05). Under hypoxic conditions, fewer HIF-target genes are upregulated (e.g., VEGFA, GADD45A, PGK1; pampersand:003C0.05), suggesting Giardia-infected cells behave similarly to uninfected cells with constant HIF activation. Analysis of the Caco-2 intracellular metabolome indicates HIF-dependent changes in amino acid (e.g., glycine, threonine) and nucleic acid (e.g., guanosine, inosine, uracil) metabolism. DMOG treatment altered the production of glycolytic intermediates (e.g., DHAP, PEP), confirming the promotion of glycolytic flux by HIF. Conclusions Both cell-stress-related and glucose-metabolism HIF target genes are activated upon Giardia infection. As well, some metabolic changes are dependent on HIF activation. These novel findings indicate Giardia promotes a hypoxic state in human intestinal cells, highlighting a metabolic cell rescue mechanism in response to enteropathogens. Furthermore, understanding the role of hypoxia in enteric parasitic infections will shed light on the potential of HIF as a therapeutic target. Funding Agencies Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

Folic acid-functionalized PEGylated niosomes co-encapsulated cisplatin and doxoribicin exhibit enhanced anticancer efficacy

The medical field is faced with the difficult task of developing a new approach to curing cancer, which is prevalent in organs such as the breast and ovaries and has a high mortality rate. Since chemotherapy is the conventional method of treatment, efforts are being made to improve it to help patients function better. Fortunately, with the use of nanocarriers and their remarkable ability to manage and direct drug delivery, progress is being made in cancer treatment. In addition, folic acid-coated nanocarriers offer several advantages in drug delivery, including improved stability, bioavailability, targeted delivery and drug solubility. These properties make them promising tools for improving cancer treatment efficacy. This research focused on investigating the stability of a specific niosomal formulation (consisting of Span 60 and cholesterol) under different temperature conditions (4 and 25 ℃) for 2 months. In addition, the drug release rate of the formulation was evaluated. The results showed that the size and polydispersity index increased significantly in the stability studies, but the entrapment efficiency% decreased dramatically over time. In addition, encapsulation of drugs in niosomal formulations resulted in stable and slow drug release. The cytotoxicity evaluation results of formulations containing doxorubicin and cisplatin show their significant inhibitory effect on both breast and ovarian cancer cell lines (IC50 for DOX–CIS–Nio@PEG–FA formulation was 6.11 and 17.87 µg/mL for A2780 and MCF-7, respectively). Niosomes loaded with a combination of two drugs were found to affect gene expression in the cancer cell lines tested. They decreased the expression of BCl2, VEGF, CCND1, and HER2 genes while increasing the expression of BAX gene. Flow cytometry results indicated that niosomes loaded with doxorubicin and cisplatin increased the rate of apoptosis in both cell lines compared to a drug mixture. ROS and cell cycle arrest, confirm the significant inhibition of cancer cells and their destruction in the presence of the synthesized noisome formulation in comparison to free drugs and the combination of two drugs. The potential of this novel approach for delivering drugs to cancer cells lies in the ability to combine treatments and target multiple cancers simultaneously. Such formulations allow co-delivery of drugs to different cancer cells, thereby improving the efficacy of chemotherapy through synergistic effects between drugs.Graphical

The cross talk between type II diabetic microenvironment and the regenerative capacities of human adipose tissue-derived pericytes: a promising cell therapy

BackgroundPericytes (PCs) are multipotent contractile cells that wrap around the endothelial cells (ECs) to maintain the blood vessel's functionality and integrity. The hyperglycemia associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was shown to impair the function of PCs and increase the risk of diabetes complications. In this study, we aimed to investigate the deleterious effect of the diabetic microenvironment on the regenerative capacities of human PCs.MethodsPCs isolated from human adipose tissue were cultured in the presence or absence of serum collected from diabetic patients. The functionality of PCs was analyzed after 6, 14, and 30 days.ResultsMicroscopic examination of PCs cultured in DS (DS-PCs) showed increased aggregate formation and altered surface topography with hyperbolic invaginations. Compared to PCs cultured in normal serum (NS-PCs), DS-PCs showed more fragmented mitochondria and thicker nuclear membrane. DS caused impaired angiogenic differentiation of PCs as confirmed by tube formation, decreased VEGF-A and IGF-1 gene expression, upregulated TSP1, PF4, actin-related protein 2/3 complex, and downregulated COL21A1 protein expression. These cells suffered more pronounced apoptosis and showed higher expression of Clic4, apoptosis facilitator BCl-2-like protein, serine/threonine protein phosphatase, and caspase-7 proteins. DS-PCs showed dysregulated DNA repair genes CDKN1A, SIRT1, XRCC5 TERF2, and upregulation of the pro-inflammatory genes ICAM1, IL-6, and TNF-α. Further, DS-treated cells also showed disruption in the expression of the focal adhesion and binding proteins TSP1, TGF-β, fibronectin, and PCDH7. Interestingly, DS-PCs showed resistance mechanisms upon exposure to diabetic microenvironment by maintaining the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and upregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) organizing proteins as vinculin, IQGAP1, and tubulin beta chain.ConclusionThese data showed that the diabetic microenvironment exert a deleterious effect on the regenerative capacities of human adipose tissue-derived PCs, and may thus have possible implications on the vascular complications of T2DM. Nevertheless, PCs have shown remarkable protective mechanisms when initially exposed to DS and thus they could provide a promising cellular therapy for T2DM.Graphical abstract

Combination of in silico and cell culture strategies to predict biomaterial performance: Effects of sintering temperature on the biological properties of hydroxyapatite.

Advances in methodologies to evaluate biomaterials brought an explosive growth of data, ensuing computational challenges to better analyzing them and allowing for high-throughput profiling of biological systems cost-efficiently. In this sense, we have applied bioinformatics tools to better understand the biological effect of different sintering temperatures of hydroxyapatite (abbreviated HA; at 1100, 1150, and 1250°C) on osteoblast performance. To do, we have better analyzed an earlier deposited study, in which the access code is E-MTAB-7219, which the authors have explored different in silico tools on this purpose. In this study, differential gene expression analyses were performed using the gene set variation analysis (GSVA) algorithm from the transcriptomes respecting the thermal changes of HA, which were validated using exclusively in vitro strategies. Furthermore, in silico approaches elected biomarkers during cell behavior in response to different sintering temperatures of HA, and it was further validated using cell culture and qPCR technologies. Altogether, the combination of those strategies shows the capacity of sintered HA at 1250°C to present a better performance in organizing an adequate microenvironment favoring bone regeneration, angiogenesis and material resorption stimulus once it has promoted higher involvement of genes such as CDK2, CDK4 (biomarkers of cell proliferation), p15, Osterix gene (related with osteogenic differentiation), RANKL (related with osteoclastogenesis), VEGF gene (related with angiogenesis), and HIF1α (related with hypoxia microenvironment). Altogether, the combination of in silico and cell culture strategies shows the capacity of sintered HA at 1250°C in guaranteeing osteoblast differentiation and it can be related in organizing an adequate microenvironment favoring bone regeneration, angiogenesis, and material resorption stimulus.

Atezolizumab plus chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab in advanced biliary tract cancer: Results from a randomized proof-of-concept phase II trial (IMbrave151).

435 Background: VEGF blockade coupled with cytotoxic chemotherapy can promote an immune-permissive tumor microenvironment that augments response to PD-L1 inhibition. IMbrave151 (NCT04677504) is a randomized, double-blinded, global proof-of-concept Phase II study evaluating atezolizumab (atezo), bevacizumab (bev) and cisplatin and gemcitabine (CisGem) as first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer (aBTC). Here we report updated clinical data and molecular correlates of response and resistance. Methods: Patients (pts) with previously untreated aBTC were randomized 1:1 to receive atezo (1200 mg every 3 weeks [q3w]) + bev (15 mg/kg q3w) or placebo (plb) + CisGem (Cis 25 mg/m2 and Gem 1000 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8 q3w) for up to 8 cycles, followed by atezo (1200 mg q3w) + bev (15 mg/kg q3w) or plb until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and safety. The final OS analysis was done when ≈90 deaths occurred or when all pts had ≥2 years of follow-up. Transcriptome analysis (n=98) and mutation profiling (n=103) were done on baseline tumor samples. This was a signal-seeking trial to estimate the treatment effect in each arm with no formal hypothesis testing. Results: In total, 162 pts were randomized to either atezo + bev + CisGem (atezo/bev; n=79) or atezo + plb + CisGem (atezo/plb; n=83). The updated PFS HR was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.95) in favor of atezo/bev. Updated median PFS was 8.35 mo for atezo/bev and 7.9 mo for atezo/plb, with 6-mo rates of 78% and 63%, respectively. The updated OS HR was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.64, 1.47), with a median of 14.9 mo for atezo/bev and 14.6 mo for atezo/plb. Confirmed ORR was 26.6% for atezo/bev and 26.5% for atezo/plb, with median DORs of 10.28 (95% CI: 6.7, 16.7) and 6.18 mo (95% CI: 4.3, 6.7), respectively. The incidence of Grade 3/4 adverse events was 73% with atezo/bev and 74% with atezo/plb. High VEGFA gene expression was associated with an improved PFS (HR, 0.43; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.83) and OS (HR, 0.66; 95% CI: 0.31, 1.4) in favor of atezo/bev. Hepatocytes high gene signature also was associated with an improved PFS (HR, 0.47; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.92) and OS (HR, 0.66; 95% CI: 0.31, 1.4) in favor of atezo/bev. Pts with PI3k/AKT pathway mutations appeared to have worse OS than pts without mutations (HR, 3.7; 95% CI: 1.5, 9.1) with atezo/bev. Conclusions: Final analysis of the IMbrave151 study indicates a modest PFS benefit in intent-to-treat pts combining atezo with bev and chemotherapy. The trial is limited by small numbers and a non-comparative design. Exploratory analysis of correlative biomarkers suggests that high VEGF-A gene expression and hepatocytes high gene signature may be predictive markers of benefit with atezo/bev, warranting further investigation. Clinical trial information: NCT04677504 .

Up-regulated mRNA expression of VEGFA receptors (FLT1 and KDR) in placentas after assisted reproductive technology fertilization

Placental angiogenesis is a pivotal process for feto-maternal circulation and ensures efficient development of the placenta throughout pregnancy. Many factors during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer procedures may affect placental gene expression and fetus development. The present study aimed to identify differences in angiogenesis-related gene (VEGFA, FGF2, FLT1, and KDR) expression profiles in placentas after assisted reproductive technology fertilization and natural conception in healthy women. In a case-control study, term placentas were collected from Caucasian women after assisted reproductive technology fertilization (N = 20) and after natural conception in women with uncomplicated pregnancy (N = 9). The mRNA expression in placentas was examined for VEGFA, FGF2, FLT1, and KDR genes by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Group stratification was performed for comparison of investigated genes between the type of embryo transferred (fresh/frozen), place of tissue donation (center/margin), and newborns’ gender (male/female). In the ART placentas, significant down-regulation of VEGFA gene (p = 0.016) and up-regulation of FLT1 (p = 0.026) and KDR (p < 0.001) gene receptors were observed. Genes encoding VEGFA receptors were up-regulated in both fresh (ET) and frozen (FET) embryo transfer groups compared to controls. For the FLT1 gene, a statistically significant difference was observed between the frozen embryo transfer group and the controls (p = 0.032). Relative expression of KDR was significantly higher for both embryo transfer groups compared to controls (p < 0.001) and between ET and FET (p = 0.002). No statistically significant differences were observed between placental expression in different places of tissue donation and newborns’ gender. We observed differences in the placental expression of VEGFA and its receptors FLT1 and KDR in pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology compared to naturally conceived pregnancies. More research is needed to clarify these alterations that may affect placental development and fetal health.

Synergistic effects of bee venom, hesperidin, and piperine with tamoxifen on apoptotic and angiogenesis biomarker molecules against xerographic MCF-7 injected rats

Breast cancer ranks as the second leading most significant of mortality for women. Studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of natural compounds in cancer treatment and prevention, either in isolation or in conjunction with chemotherapy. In order to improve Tamoxifen's therapeutic efficacy in in-vivo studies, our research sought to determine the effects of hesperidin, piperine, and bee venom as natural compounds, as well as their combination effect with or without Tamoxifen. First, 132 female albino rats were equally divided into six groups and five subgroups, and breast cancer was induced in the selected groups by xenografting of MCF7 cells. Second, the effect of single and best ratio combinations treatment from previous in vitro studies were selected. Next, tumorous mammary glands were collected for apoptotic and antiapoptotic biomarkers and cell cycle analysis. Single or combined natural products with or without Tamoxifen revealed a significant up-regulation in apoptotic genes Bax and Casp3 and a downregulation of antiapoptotic and angiogenesis genes Bcl-2 and VEGF genes. We found that cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase was exclusively caused by Tamoxifen and/ or hesperidin. However, the cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase is a result of the combination of piperine and bee venom, with or without Tamoxifen by using the flow cytometric technique. Our research concludes that bee venom, hesperidin, and piperine can synergistically enhance to increase Tamoxifen's efficiency in the management of breast cancer.

Abstract A081: The pan-quadruplex experimental drug QN-302 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC): Potential biomarkers for clinical studies

Abstract Quadruplexes (G4s) are formed from G-rich elements widely prevalent in the human and other genomes. They comprise repetitive G-tracts of varying length, interspersed with short general sequences, which can fold into higher-order four-stranded G4 structures under appropriate circumstances. Their prevalence is non-random, and they are over-represented in the promoter and untranslated regions of genes involved in replication and replication pathways, especially in cancer-related events and pathways. Promoter G4s have been characterised in, for example, the RAS, MYC, KIT, B-RAF, HIF, VEGF genes. The existence of stable G4 structures within duplex DNA is likely to be transient since they can be effectively unwound by helicases. However, it is now well-established that they can be stabilised by appropriate small molecules, leading to impairment of polymerase precession and transcription factor binding, and then to down-regulation of the expression of the affected gene. This therapeutic strategy has been exploited in the design of a series of potent G4-binding compounds based on the naphthalene diimide framework, culminating in the development of the compound QN-302, which has selectivity to PDAC cell lines with low nM potency. It is also active in several in vivo models of PDAC. Its transcriptional profile shows that it affects multiple G4 promoter genes and thus acts as a pan-G4 agent. QN-302 has been undergoing pre-clinical development by Qualigen Inc and in 2022 was granted Orphan Drug designation for PDAC by the FDA. It is currently being evaluated for clinical development in solid tumors including PDAC. As part of this program, several potential biomarkers are currently being considered. These in large part are suggested by the transcriptome analyses of QN-302 in cells and in vivo. They are established markers of progressive PDAC and thus may be useful for indicating the success of QN-302 therapy in humans. In addition, our orthotopic study of the effects of QN-302 on orthotopically implanted BX-PC3 tumors has indicated that circulating tumor DNA may be a useful indicator of tumor regression by QN-302. Citation Format: Ahmed Ahmed, Tariq Arshad, Stephen Neidle. The pan-quadruplex experimental drug QN-302 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC): Potential biomarkers for clinical studies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Pancreatic Cancer; 2023 Sep 27-30; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A081.

Protein-Protein Interactions of Seryl-tRNA Synthetases with Emphasis on Human Counterparts and Their Connection to Health and Disease.

Seryl-tRNA synthetases (SerRSs), members of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family, interact with diverse proteins, enabling SerRSs to enhance their role in the translation of the genetic message or to perform alternative functions in cellular processes beyond translation. Atypical archaeal SerRS interacts with arginyl-tRNA synthetase and proteins of the ribosomal P-stalk to optimize translation through tRNA channeling. The complex between yeast SerRS and peroxin Pex21p provides a connection between translation and peroxisome function. The partnership between Arabidopsis SerRS and BEN1 indicates a link between translation and brassinosteroid metabolism and may be relevant in plant stress response mechanisms. In Drosophila, the unusual heterodimeric mitochondrial SerRS coordinates mitochondrial translation and replication via interaction with LON protease. Evolutionarily conserved interactions of yeast and human SerRSs with m3C32 tRNA methyltransferases indicate coordination between tRNA modification and aminoacylation in the cytosol and mitochondria. Human cytosolic SerRS is a cellular hub protein connecting translation to vascular development, angiogenesis, lipogenesis, and telomere maintenance. When translocated to the nucleus, SerRS acts as a master negative regulator of VEGFA gene expression. SerRS alone or in complex with YY1 and SIRT2 competes with activating transcription factors NFκB1 and c-Myc, resulting in balanced VEGFA expression important for proper vascular development and angiogenesis. In hypoxia, SerRS phosphorylation diminishes its binding to the VEGFA promoter, while the lack of nutrients triggers SerRS glycosylation, reducing its nuclear localization. Additionally, SerRS binds telomeric DNA and cooperates with the shelterin protein POT1 to regulate telomere length and cellular senescence. As an antitumor and antiangiogenic factor, human cytosolic SerRS appears to be a promising drug target and therapeutic agent for treating cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and possibly obesity and aging.

Nonsynonymous mutations in VEGF receptor binding domain alter the efficacy of bevacizumab treatment.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mediated angiogenesis is crucial for tumor progression. Isoforms of VEGF bind to different VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) to initiate angiogenesis specific cellular signaling. Inhibitors that target both the receptors and ligands are in clinical use to impede angiogenesis. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), binds in the VEGF receptor binding domain (RBD) of all soluble isoforms of VEGF and inhibits the VEGF-VEGFR interaction. Bevacizumab is also used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents for a better therapeutic outcome. Understanding the intricate polymorphic character of VEGFA gene and the influence of missense or nonsynonymous mutations in the form of nonsynonymous polymorphisms (nsSNPs) on RBD of VEGF may aid in increasing the efficacy of this drug. This study has identified 18 potential nsSNPs in VEGFA gene that affect the VEGF RBD structure and alter its binding pattern to bevacizumab. The mutated RBDs, modeled using trRosetta, in addition to the changed pattern of secondary structure, post translational modification and stability compared to the wild type, have shown contrasting binding affinity and molecular interaction pattern with bevacizumab. Molecular docking analysis by ClusPro and visualization using PyMol and PDBsum tools have detected 17 nsSNPs with decreased binding affinity to bevacizumab and therefore may impact the treatment efficacy. Whereas VEGF RBD expressed due to rs1267535717 (R229H) nsSNP of VEGFA has increased affinity to the mAb. This study suggests that genetic characterization of VEGFA before bevacizumab mediated cancer treatment is essential in predicting the appropriate efficacy of the drug, as the treatment efficiency may vary at individual level.

PIK3CA regulates development of diabetes retinopathy through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

To explore their association with the development of diabetes retinopathy (DR), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutations were screened out by high-throughput sequencing and validated in patients diagnosed with DR. To understand the role of PIK3CA in the pathogenesis of DR and explore the relationship between PIK3CA,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR),and DR, the effect of PIK3CA.rs17849079 mutation was investigated in a DR cell model. Twelve patients diagnosed with DR at the Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital from September 2020 to June 2021 were randomly selected as the case group, while 12 healthy subjects of similar age and gender who underwent physical examination in Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital physical examination center during the same period were randomly selected as the control group. Blood samples (2 mL) were collected from both groups using EDTA anticoagulant blood collection vessels and frozen at -20°C for future analysis. SNP mutations were detected by high-throughput sequencing, and the shortlisted candidates were subjected by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The detected SNP candidates were verified by expanding the sample size (first validation: 56 patients in the case group and 58 controls; second validation: 157 patients in the case group and 96 controls). A lentivirus vector carrying mutated or wild-type PIK3CA.rs17849079 was constructed. ARPE-19 cells were cultured in a medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) to establish a DR cell model. PIRES2-PIK3CA-MT and PIRES2-PIK3CA-WT vectors were transfected into DR model cells, which were categorized into control, mannitol, model, empty vector, PIK3CA wild-type, and PIK3CA mutant-type groups. Cell activity was detected by the cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay, and cellular apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Glucose concentration and levels of cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The expression of PIK3CA, AKT1, mTOR, and VEGF genes was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), while the expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT1, p-AKT1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and VEGF proteins was detected by western blotting. The mutated SNPs were mainly enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway, calcium ion pathway, and glutamatergic synaptic and cholinergic synaptic signaling pathways. Seven SNPs, including PRKCE.rs1533476, DNAH11.rs10485983, ERAP1.rs149481, KLHL1.rs1318761, APOBEC3C.rs1969643, FYN.rs11963612, and KCTD1.rs7240205, were not related to the development of DR. PIK3CA.rs17849079 was prone to C/T mutation. The risk of DR increased with the presence of the C allele and decreased in the presence of the T allele. High glucose induced the expression of PIK3CA and VEGF mRNAs as well as the expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, p-AKT1, p-mTOR, and VEGF proteins in ARPE-19 cells, which led to secretion of inflammatory factors TNF-αand IL-1, cell apoptosis, and inhibition of cell proliferation. The PIK3CA.rs17849079 C allele accelerated the progression of DR. These biological effects were inhibited when the C allele of PIK3CA.rs17849079 was mutated to T allele. The mutated SNP sites in patients with DR were mainly enriched in PI3K/AKT, calcium ion, and glutamatergic synaptic and cholinergic synaptic signaling pathways. The rs17849079 allele of PIK3CA is prone to C/T mutation where the C allele increases the risk of DR. High glucose activates the expression of PIK3CA and promotes the phosphorylation of PI3K, which leads to the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR. These effects consequently increase VEGF expression and accelerate the development of DR. The C to T allele mutation in PIK3CA.rs17849079 can play a protective role and reduce the risk of DR.

Macrophage plasticity enhanced by camel milk peptide attributes in wound healing in diabetic rats

Diabetes Mellitus during wound healing alters macrophage recruitment, leading to delayed healing. The present study focuses on impact of camel milk peptide (CMP) on macrophage plasticity during their recruitment during wound healing stages. The Swiss albino rats were distributed into three groups: a normal wounded group (control), a wounded diabetic group, and a wounded diabetic group treated with CMP daily. The diabetic rats showed a significantly compromised level of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1α) relative gene expression, anti-CD31, anti-Mac-3, and anti-CD68 staining than the control group. Macrophages were considerably depleted in diabetic group animals upon initiating the inflammatory phase, while the protein significantly reversed the same. Also, there was marked increase in pathogenic bacterial growth at the wound sites of diabetic rats. On the contrary, in CMP-diabetic rats, levels of pathogenic bacteria were comparable to normal control animals. Diabetic rats demonstrated a reduction in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9 and MMP-13) expression while increased TNF-α levels compared to control rats. In addition, they also showed significantly reduced expression of VEGF and fibroblast growth factors (FGF) genes and IL-10 during the proliferation phase. However, all these parameters exhibited a considerably reversed trend in the CMP treated diabetic rats. Hence, CMP-treated diabetic rats demonstrated a transition to the M2 phenotype, highlighting macrophage recruitment's critical role in healing of wounds in hyperglycemic rats.

Three-dimensional bioengineered dermal derived matrix scaffold in combination with adipose-derived stem cells accelerate diabetic wound healing

Due to the multifactorial nature of diabetic wounds, the most effective treatments require combinatorial approach. Herein we investigated whether engraftment of a bioengineered three-dimensional dermal derived matrix scaffold (DDMS) in combination with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSs), could accelerate diabetic wound healing. Diabetic animals were randomly planned into the control group, DDMS group, ADS group, and DDMS+ADS group. On days 7, 14, and 21, tissue samples were obtained for stereological, molecular, and tensiometrical assessments. We found that the wound contraction rate, the total volumes of new epidermis and dermis, the numerical densities of fibroblasts and blood vessels, collagen density, and tensiometrical parameters were meaningfully greater in the treated groups than in the control group, and these changes were more obvious in the DDMS+ADS ones (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of TGF-β, bFGF, and VEGF genes were considerably upregulated in treated groups compared to the control group and were greater in the DDMS+ADS group (p < 0.05). This is while expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as the numerical densities of neutrophils and macrophages decreased more considerably in the DDMS+ADS group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Overall, it was found that using both DDMS engraftment and ADS transplantation has more impact on diabetic wound healing.

VEGF Gene Polymorphisms in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

VEGF Gene Polymorphisms in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

1H-NMR metabolomics analysis identifies hypoxanthine as a novel metastasis-associated metabolite in breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in females, mainly because of metastasis. Oncometabolites, produced via metabolic reprogramming, can influence metastatic signaling cascades. Accordingly, and based on our previous results, we propose that metabolites from highly metastatic breast cancer cells behave differently from less-metastatic cells and may play a significant role in metastasis. For instance, we aim to identify these metabolites and their role in breast cancer metastasis. Less metastatic cells (MCF-7) were treated with metabolites secreted from highly metastatic cells (MDA-MB-231) and the gene expression of three epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers including E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin were examined. Some metabolites secreted from MDA-MB-231 cells significantly induced EMT activity. Specifically, hypoxanthine demonstrated a significant EMT effect and increased the migration and invasion effects of MCF-7 cells through a hypoxia-associated mechanism. Hypoxanthine exhibited pro-angiogenic effects via increasing the VEGF and PDGF gene expression and affected lipid metabolism by increasing the gene expression of PCSK-9. Notably, knockdown of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, a gene encoding for an important enzyme in the biosynthesis of hypoxanthine, and inhibition of hypoxanthine uptake caused a significant decrease in hypoxanthine-associated EMT effects. Collectively for the first time, hypoxanthine was identified as a novel metastasis-associated metabolite in breast cancer cells and represents a promising target for diagnosis and therapy.

Cnicus benedictus extract-loaded electrospun gelatin wound dressing for treating diabetic wounds: An in vitro and in vivo study.

In the current study, Cnicus benedictus extract was loaded into electrospun gelatin scaffolds for diabetic wound healing applications. Scaffolds were characterized in vitro by mechanical testing, cell culture assays, electron microscopy, cell migration assay, and antibacterial assay. In vivo wound healing study was performed in a rat model of diabetic wound. In vitro studies revealed fibrous architecture of our developed dressings and their anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, Cnicus benedictus extract-loaded wound dressings prevented bacterial penetration. In vivo study showed that wound size reduction, collagen deposition, and epithelial thickness were significantly greater in Cnicus benedictus extract-loaded scaffolds than other groups. Gene expression studies showed that the produced wound dressings significantly upregulated VEGF and IGF genes expression in diabetic wounds.

Features of Cytokine and VEGFA Gene Expression Modified with SARS-CoV-2 Virus in an In Vitro Experiment (Using the Example of the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Antigen).

The influence of SARS-CoV-2 antigen on the cytokine-producing function of immune cells was studied. We observed suppression of the production of proinflammatory cytokines by 11-46% relative to the spontaneous level under the influence of SARS-CoV-2 antigen vaccine simulator, as well as when it was co-administered with cortisol (IL-6 by 1.8 times and IFNγ by 1.57 times) compared with control samples. IL-8 production was reduced by 1.72 times relative to its spontaneous level. IL-8 production was reduced by 1.72 times relative to its spontaneous level. Under conditions of SARS-CoV-2 stimulation with the vaccine antigen in vitro, an increase in the relative scaled expression of the VEGFA gene by 2.16 times relative to the spontaneous level was observed, which can be regarded as a model "cytokine storm" scenario. The obtained experimental data verify the ideas about the pathogenetic mechanisms of the COVID-19 and can contribute to the development of new approaches to the correction of its complications.

Novel nano materials loaded with VEGF gene promote liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy

Novel nano materials loaded with VEGF gene promote liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy