Macrophage metabolic reprogramming ameliorates diabetes-induced microvascular dysfunction.

Macrophages play an important role in the development of vascular diseases, with their homeostasis closely linked to metabolic reprogramming. This study aims to explore the role of circular RNA-mediated epigenetic remodeling in maintaining macrophage homeostasis during diabetes-induced microvascular dysfunction. We identified a circular RNA, circRNA-sperm antigen with calponin homology and coiled-coil domains 1 (cSPECC1), which is significantly up-regulated in diabetic retinas and in macrophages under diabetic stress.

Olink Profiling of Aqueous Humor Identifies Novel Biomarkers for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Metabolic dysfunction is recognized as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). However, the specific metabolism-related proteins implicated in wAMD remain elusive. In this study, we assessed the expression profiles of 92 metabolism-related proteins in aqueous humor (AH) samples obtained from 44 wAMD patients and 44 cataract control patients.

Deficiency of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 aggravates thioacetamide-induced acute liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy in mice.

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is closely associated with inflammatory responses. However, as a crucial regulator of the immune and inflammatory responses, the role of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) in the pathogenesis of HE remains unraveled. Herein, we investigated this issue in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HE following acute liver failure (ALF).

tRNA-derived fragment tRF-1001: A novel anti-angiogenic factor in pathological ocular angiogenesis.

Transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are a novel class of non-coding RNA transcripts and play important roles in several physiological/pathological processes. However, the role of tRFs in ocular angiogenesis remains elusive. Herein, we investigate whether the intervention of tRF-1001 expression could suppress pathological ocular angiogenesis.

Targeting circular RNA-MET for anti-angiogenesis treatment via inhibiting endothelial tip cell specialization.

Endothelial tip cell specialization plays an essential role in angiogenesis, which is tightly regulated by the complicated gene regulatory network. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a type of covalently closed non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression in eukaryotes. Here, we report that the levels of circMET expression are significantly upregulated in the retinas of mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy, choroidal neovascularization, and diabetic retinopathy.

METTL3-mediated -methyladenosine modification governs pericyte dysfunction during diabetes-induced retinal vascular complication.

Microvascular complication is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among the patients with diabetes. Pericyte dysfunction is the predominant pathological manifestation of microvascular complication. -methyladenosine (mA) serves as the most prevalent modification in eukaryotic mRNAs.

CircRNA expression profile and functional analysis in retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Retinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is involved in the pathogenesis of many vision-threatening diseases. circRNAs act as key players in gene regulation and human diseases. However, the global circRNA expression profile in retinal I/R injury has not been fully uncovered.

Role of METTL3-Dependent N-Methyladenosine mRNA Modification in the Promotion of Angiogenesis.

Epigenetic alterations occur in many physiological and pathological processes. N-methyladenosine (mA) modification is the most prevalent modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. However, the role of mA modification in pathological angiogenesis remains elusive.

Suppression of pathological ocular neovascularization by a small molecule, SU1498.

Selective inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), particularly VEGFR-2, is an efficient method for the treatment of ocular neovascularization. SU1498 is a specific inhibitor of VEGFR-2. In this study, we investigated the role of SU1498 in ocular neovascularization.

SKLB1002, a potent inhibitor of VEGF receptor 2 signaling, inhibits endothelial angiogenic function in vitro and ocular angiogenesis in vivo.

Ocular angiogenesis is a major cause of severe vision loss, which can affect several parts of the eye, including the retina, choroid and cornea. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) inhibitors have demonstrated great potential for treating ocular angiogenesis and SKLB1002 is a potent inhibitor of VEGF receptor 2 signaling. The present study investigated the effects of SKLB1002 administration on ocular angiogenesis.

Osthole: A Traditional Chinese Medicine for Ocular Anti-Angiogenic Therapy.

Purpose: Osthole is an agent isolated from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson and has been used to treat several disorders. Corneal neovascularization is a sight-threatening condition associated with several inflammatory or infectious ocular disorders.

Hepatic Cyp1a2 Expression Reduction during Inflammation Elicited in a Rat Model of Intermittent Hypoxia.

Background: Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is a key element of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that can lead to disorders in the liver. In this study, IH was established in a rat model to examine its effects on the expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) and CYP regulators, including nuclear receptors.

Methods: Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to analyze the general pathology of the liver of rats exposed to IH.

(7R,8S)-9-acetyl-dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol inhibits inflammation and migration in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages.

Background: (7R, 8S)-9-Acetyl-dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (ADDA), a novel lignan compound isolated from Clematis armandii Franch (Ranunculaceae) stems, has been found to exert potential anti-inflammatory activities in vitro.

Purpose: To investigate the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of ADDA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation and migration of macrophages.

Study Design/methods: Macrophages were stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of ADDA.

Boehmenan, a lignan from the Chinese medicinal plant Clematis armandii, induces apoptosis in lung cancer cells through modulation of EGF-dependent pathways.

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an effective molecular target for cancer treatment. Boehmenan, a lignan from the dried stems of Clematis armandii, exhibited the potent cytotoxic effects against many cancer cell lines in previous studies. However, the effects and underlying mechanism of boehmenan on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.

Clinical Effectiveness of Scapulothoracic Joint Control Training Exercises on Shoulder Joint Dysfunction.

The objective of this study was to examine the clinical effectiveness of scapulothoracic joint control training exercises on shoulder joint dysfunction. Forty patients with traumatic shoulder pain and joint dysfunction were randomized into the treatment or control group. Standard rehabilitation interventions included glenohumeral joint mobilization techniques, ultrasound therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, interference current therapy, and other comprehensive interventions.

Correlation of Sperm Associated Antigen 11 (SPAG11) and its Isoforms with Varicocele in Rats.

Background: We undertook this study to investigate the variation relationship of sperm associated antigen 11 (Spag11) mRNA expression and SPAG11E protein in the epididymis and spermatozoa of experimental left varicocele (ELV) rats. These findings could contribute to the understanding of the role of epididymal proteins in sperm functions and the mechanism of male infertility induced by varicocele.

Methods: The ELV model was established in adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Comprehensive study of cationic liposomes composed of DC-Chol and cholesterol with different mole ratios for gene transfection.

The ability of cationic liposomes composed of DC-Chol and cholesterol to carry pDNA into 293 T cells was investigated. Lipoplexes formed between DC-Chol/cholesterol liposomes and pDNA (encoding green fluorescent protein, GFP) were analyzed in terms of morphology observation, turbidity determination, particle size and zeta potential measurement, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel retardation assay, cytotoxicity analysis in 293 T cells and transfection efficiency. The results showed that liposome preparation at or above 66.

[Experimental varicocele affects VEGF and Flt-1 protein expressions in the testis and epididymis of adolescent rats].

Objective: To investigate the effects of experimental left varicocele (ELV) on the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1) proteins in the testis and epididymis of adolescent rats, and to find out the correlation of the two proteins with varicocele-induced male infertility.

Methods: We established the ELV model in adolescent male SD rats, and detected the expressions of VEGF and Flt-1 proteins in the testis and epididymis by immunohistochemistry at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery.

Results: Cell- and region-specific expressions of VEGF and Flt-1 were observed in the testis and epididymis of the ELV and control groups.

The expression of Usp26 gene in mouse testis and brain.

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) play an important role in ubiquitin-dependent processes as negative regulators of protein ubiquitination. Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) is a member of this family. The expression of Usp26 in mammalian testis and in other tissues has yet to be fully elucidated.

[Expressions of VEGF and Flt-1 in the testis, epididymis and epididymal sperm of adolescent rats].

Objective: To study the expressions of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1) in the testis, epididymis and epididymal sperm of adolescent rats and explore the functions of both the proteins in the male reproductive system.

Methods: The expressions of VEGF and Flt-1 were detected in 20 adolescent SD rats, immunohistochemical staining used for both the testis and the epididymis and immunofluorescent staining for sperm.

Results: VEGF and Flt-1 proteins were specifically present in the testis, epididymis and sperm.

[Effects of experimental left varicocele on SPAG11 mRNA and SPAG11E in the testis and epididymis of adolescent rats].

Objective: To investigate the effects of experimental left varicocele (ELV) on the expression of sperm associated antigen 11 (SPAG11) mRNA and its protein isomer SPAG11E in the testis and epididymis of adolescent rats, and to explore the mechanism of infertility caused by varicocele.

Methods: The experimental left varicocele model was established in the adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats. Two and 4 weeks after the operation, the changes of SPAG11 mRNA and SPAG11E expression in the testis and epididymis were detected using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Novel mutations in ubiquitin-specific protease 26 gene might cause spermatogenesis impairment and male infertility.

Aim: To study the incidence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) gene and its involvement in idiopathic male infertility in China.

Methods: Routine semen analysis was performed. Infertility factors such as immunological, infectious and biochemical disorders were examined to select patients with idiopathic infertility.

[Effects of experimental varicocele on CRES protein in the testis and epididymis of adolescent rats].

Objective: To investigate the effects of experimental left varicocele (ELV) on the cystatin-related epididymal spermatogenic (CRES) protein in the testis and epididymis of adolescent rats.

Methods: The ELV model of Sprague-Dawley (SD) male adolescent rats was established, and the expression of CRES protein in the testis and epididymis was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western-blot at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery.

Results: Immunohistochemistry and Western-blot detected CRES protein in both the testis and the epididymis of the ELV rats and the control rats.