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Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common complication after cataract surgery. Residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the anterior lens capsule, after cataract surgery, migrate to the posterior lens capsule and undergo transdifferentiation into myofibroblast‐like cells. Those cells synthesize excessive amounts of extracellular matrix and contribute to fibrosis during PCO. Cellular senescence, a phenomenon that increases with aging, has been implicated in several fibrotic diseases. Here, we have investigated the prevalence of senescent LECs within the lens posterior capsule and the ability of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in lens capsules to induce senescence, contributing to PCO. Aged lens capsules from pseudophakic human cadaver eyes showed the presence of senescent LECs. In human capsular bags, LECs showed an age‐dependent increase in senescence after 28 days of culture. Human LECs cultured on aged lens capsules for 3 days underwent senescence; this effect was not seen in LECs cultured on young lens capsules. Human LECs cultured on an AGE‐modified extracellular matrix (ECM‐AGEs) showed an AGE‐concentration‐dependent increase in the expression of senescence markers and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Treatment with a RAGE antagonist and ROS inhibitor reduced the expression of senescence and fibrotic markers. Additionally, conditioned media from ECM‐AGEs‐treated cells induced the expression of fibrotic markers in naïve LECs. Together, these suggest that AGEs in the capsule induce senescence of LECs, which triggers the mesenchymal transition of neighboring non‐senescent LECs and contributes to PCO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deferred diabetic skin healing is an ever‐growing complication owing to the hyperglycemic microenvironment, which accelerates the generation of advanced glycated end products (AGEs) and provides a hotbed for pathogenic infection. Here, the H2S‐evolving bio‐heterojunction enzyme (BioHJzyme), which is consisted by MXene/FeS2 and glucose oxidase (GOx) is devised. It presents glutathione peroxidase (GPx)‐ and peroxidase (POD)‐mimetic antibacterial activity for anti‐pathogens and wound regeneration by AGEs depression. The GOx catalyzes glucose, resulting in reducing the bacterial nutrient and supplying H2O2. The POD‐mimetic activity of the BioHJzyme catalyzes the H2O2 to hydroxyl radical (•OH) with a turnover number of 4.45 × 10−1 s−1, while the GPx‐mimetic activity of it consumes glutathione for further •OH accumulation. The anti‐pathogens can be enhanced by near infrared laser (NIR) irradiation owing to the efficient separation of electron‐hole pairs originated from the heterostructure, which presents NIR‐activatable •OH and 1O2 production. Moreover, the BioHJzyme evolves H2S in acidic environment, acting as an H2S donor, which protects cells around the wound from oxidative damage and AGEs, rescues mitochondrial respiration, improves the extracellular matrix deposition and ameliorates dysfunction of fibroblasts for diabetic skin regeneration through TGF‐β/Smad pathway. The work provides a proof‐of‐concept for bacteria‐invaded diabetic wound regeneration via H2S‐evolving BioHJzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transfer RNA‐derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) refer to a newly established family of non‐coding RNAs that regulate a diverse set of biological processes. However, the function of tsRNAs in skin photoaging remains unclear. This research aims to investigate the potential correlation between tsRNAs and skin photoaging. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were irradiated with UVA at 10 J/cm2 once a day lasting for 14 days, resulting in the establishment of a photoaging model induced by UVA. To identify the expression profiles and functions of tsRNAs, tsRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were conducted. qPCR was employed to validate the results of differentially expressed (DE) tsRNAs. A total of 34 tsRNAs exhibited significant differential expression between the UVA and control groups (n = 3), with nine upregulated and 25 downregulated (log2 fold change >1.5, p‐value <0.05). Six tsRNAs were selected at random and validated by qRT‐PCR. The enrichment analysis of DE tsRNAs target genes indicated that the dysregulated tsRNAs appeared to be connected with cell cycle, DNA replication and the AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway. The expression of tsRNAs was found to be aberrant in UVA‐HDF. These findings provide insights into the UVA‐induced damage and potential target genes for skin photoaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily capable of regulating inflammation. Considering the role of this receptor in the initiation and establishment of neuroinflammation, and the limited understanding of the function of RAGE in the maintenance of this condition, this study describes the effects of RAGE inhibition in the brain, through an intranasal treatment with the antagonist FPS‐ZM1, in an animal model of chronic neuroinflammation induced by acute intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Seventy days after LPS administration (2 mg/kg, i.p.), Wistar rats received, intranasally, 1.2 mg of FPS‐ZM1 over 14 days. On days 88 and 89, the animals were submitted to the open‐field test and were killed on day 90 after the intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Our results indicate that blockade of encephalic RAGE attenuates LPS‐induced chronic neuroinflammation in different brain regions. Furthermore, we found that intranasal FPS‐ZM1 administration reduced levels of gliosis markers, RAGE ligands, and α‐synuclein in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Additionally, the treatment also reversed the increase in S100 calcium‐binding protein B (RAGE ligand) in the cerebrospinal fluid and the cognitive‐behavioral deficits promoted by LPS—less time spent in the central zone of the open‐field arena (more time in the lateral zones), decreased total distance traveled, and increased number of freezing episodes. In summary, our study demonstrates the prominent role of RAGE in the maintenance of a chronic neuroinflammatory state triggered by a single episode of systemic inflammation and also points to possible future RAGE‐based therapeutic approaches to treat conditions in which chronic neuroinflammation and increased α‐synuclein levels could play a relevant role, such as in Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a transmembrane receptor that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and is extensively associated with chronic inflammation in non‐transmissible diseases. As chronic inflammation is consistently present in neurodegenerative diseases, it was largely assumed that RAGE could act as a critical modulator of neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease (PD), similar to what was reported for Alzheimer's disease (AD), where RAGE is postulated to mediate pro‐inflammatory signaling in microglia by binding to amyloid‐β peptide. However, accumulating evidence from studies of RAGE in PD models suggests a less obvious scenario. Here, we review physiological aspects of RAGE and address the current questions about the potential involvement of this receptor in the cellular events that may be critical for the development and progression of PD, exploring possible mechanisms beyond the classical view of the microglial activation/neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration axis that is widely assumed to be the general mechanism of RAGE action in the adult brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of diseases that primarily affect the heart or blood vessels, with high disability and mortality rates, posing a serious threat to human health. The causative factors, pathogenesis, and characteristics of common CVD differ, but they all involve common pathological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. S100A9 belongs to the S100 family of calcium‐binding proteins, which are mainly secreted by myeloid cells and bind to the Toll‐like receptor 4 and receptor for advanced glycation end products and is involved in regulating pathological processes such as inflammatory response, fibrosis, vascular calcification, and endothelial barrier function in CVD. The latest research has found that S100A9 is a key biomarker for diagnosing and predicting various CVD. Therefore, this article reviews the latest research progress on the diagnostic and predictive, and therapeutic value of S100A9 in inflammatory‐related CVD such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and arterial aneurysm and summarizes its molecular mechanisms in the progression of CVD, aiming to explore new predictive methods and to identify potential intervention targets for CVD in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by elevated blood glucose and advanced glycation end product (AGEs) levels. Increased AGEs in bone tissue inhibit osteogenic differentiation by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), leading to bone loss and osteoporosis in diabetic patients. Enhancing the osteogenic differentiation capacity of BMSCs in the presence of abundant AGEs can improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis in DM patients. The flavonoid, Quercetin, has anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor properties; however, it is insoluble in water and thus not easily absorbed by the body. Nanodrug delivery systems such as tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) exhibit excellent biocompatibility, efficient cell uptake, and drug piggybacking. In the present study, tFNAs with quercetin is complexed to form a novel nanodrug (tFNAs/Que) that combined the features of both components. tFNAs/Que promote osteogenic differentiation by BMSCs in an in vitro AGEs‐rich environment, maintain bone mass, and prevent diabetic osteoporosis in DM mice in vivo. The mechanism of tFNAs/Que against AGEs may be related to the JNK signaling pathway. In conclusion, it is shown that tFNAs/Que has a dual regulatory role by promoting osteogenic differentiation and inhibiting apoptosis. Such a feature is promising for the prevention and treatment of diabetic osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aims: A multi‐stakeholder consensus has proposed MASLD (metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease). We aimed to investigate the pathological findings related to the mid‐term mortality of patients with biopsy‐proven MASLD in Japan. Methods: We enrolled 1349 patients with biopsy‐proven MASLD. The observational period was 8010 person years. We evaluated independent factors associated with mortality in patients with MASLD by Cox regression analysis. We also investigated pathological profiles related to mortality in patients with MASLD using data‐mining analysis. Results: The prevalence of MASH and stage 3/4 fibrosis was observed in 65.6% and 17.4%, respectively. Forty‐five patients with MASLD died. Of these, liver‐related events were the most common cause at 40% (n = 18), followed by extrahepatic malignancies at 26.7% (n = 12). Grade 2/3 lobular inflammation and stage 3/4 fibrosis had a 1.9‐fold and 1.8‐fold risk of mortality, respectively. In the decision‐tree analysis, the profiles with the worst prognosis were characterised by Grade 2/3 hepatic inflammation, along with advanced ballooning (grade 1/2) and fibrosis (stage 3/4). This profile showed a mortality at 8.3%. Furthermore, the random forest analysis identified that hepatic fibrosis and inflammation were the first and second responsible factors for the mid‐term prognosis of patients with MASLD. Conclusions: In patients with biopsy‐proven MASLD, the prevalence of MASH and advanced fibrosis was approximately 65% and 20%, respectively. The leading cause of mortality was liver‐related events. Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were significant factors influencing mid‐term mortality. These findings highlight the importance of targeting inflammation and fibrosis in the management of patients with MASLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been implicated in several skeletal muscle dysfunctions. However, whether the adverse effects of AGEs on skeletal muscle are because of their direct action on the skeletal muscle tissue is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the direct and acute effects of AGEs on skeletal muscle using an isolated mouse skeletal muscle to eliminate several confounders derived from other organs. The results showed that the incubation of isolated mouse skeletal muscle with AGEs (1 mg/mL) for 2–6 h suppressed protein synthesis and the mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway. Furthermore, AGEs showed potential inhibitory effects on protein degradation pathways, including autophagy and the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Additionally, AGEs stimulated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by modulating the activating transcription factor 6, PKR‐like ER kinase, C/EBP homologous protein, and altered inflammatory cytokine expression. AGEs also stimulated receptor for AGEs (RAGE)‐associated signaling molecules, including mitogen‐activated protein kinases. These findings suggest that AGEs have direct and acute effect on skeletal muscle and disturb proteostasis by modulating intracellular pathways such as RAGE signaling, protein synthesis, proteolysis, ER stress, and inflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sesame has been included in the top eight food allergens, and therefore reduction of sesame allergen potency is of great practical significance. Glycation reactions are extensively researched for their role in regulating the allergic properties of food allergens due to their distinct benefits. This study involved the glycation of sesame proteins with three different reducing sugars to generate reaction products. The structure of the reaction products was characterized by the use of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. The impact of glycation on the allergenic properties of sesame proteins was explored by in vitro simulated digestion tests combined with immunological techniques. The study results indicated that all three reducing sugars underwent glycation with sesame proteins, with D‐ribose showing the most significant level of glycation. During the glycation reaction of sesame proteins in this study, the proteins underwent precipitation as well as structural changes, leading to reduced immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding capacity. Glycation alters the digestive stability of sesame proteins and further reduces the ability to bind to IgG. Overall, glycation modification shows promise in decreasing the allergenicity of sesame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is a life‐threatening organ dysfunction that endangers patient lives and is caused by an imbalance in the host defense against infection. Sepsis continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in critically sick patients. Oxymatrine (OMT), a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from the traditional Chinese herb Sophora flavescens Aiton, has been shown to have anti‐inflammatory effects on a number of inflammatory illnesses according to research. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of OMT on sepsis and explore the underlying mechanisms. We differentiated THP‐1 cells into THP‐1 macrophages and studied the anti‐inflammatory mechanism of OMT in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced THP‐1 macrophage sepsis model. Activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), as well as NF‐κB, was assessed by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. ELISA was used to measure the levels of inflammatory factors. We found that OMT significantly inhibited HMGB1‐mediated RAGE/NF‐κB activation and downstream inflammatory cytokine production in response to LPS stimulation. Finally, an in vivo experiment was performed on septic mice to further study the effect of OMT on injured organs. The animal experiments showed that OMT significantly inhibited HMGB1‐mediated RAGE/NF‐κB activation, protected against the inflammatory response and organ injury induced by CLP, and prolonged the survival rate of septic mice. Herein, we provide evidence that OMT exerts a significant therapeutic effect on sepsis by inhibiting the HMGB1/RAGE/NF‐κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks are notorious blood‐sucking ectoparasites that affect both humans and animals. They serve as a unique vector of various deadly diseases. Here, we have shown the roles of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) during repeated infestations by the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis using RAGE−/− mice. In primary infestation, a large blood pool developed, which was flooded with numerous RBCs, especially during the rapid feeding phase of the tick both in wild‐type (wt) and RAGE−/− mice. Very few inflammatory cells were detected around the zones of haemorrhage in the primary infestations. However, the number of inflammatory cells gradually increased in the subsequent tick infestations, and during the third infestations, the number of inflammatory cells reached to the highest level (350.3 ± 16.8 cells/focus). The site of attachment was totally occupied by the inflammatory cells in wt mice, whereas very few cells were detected at the ticks' biting sites in RAGE−/− mice. RAGE was highly expressed during the third infestation in wt mice. In the third infestation, infiltration of CD44+ lymphocytes, eosinophils and expression of S100A8 and S100B significantly increased at the biting sites of ticks in wt, but not in RAGE−/− mice. In addition, peripheral eosinophil counts significantly increased in wt but not in RAGE−/− mice. Taken together, our study revealed that RAGE‐mediated inflammation and eosinophils played crucial roles in the tick‐induced inflammatory reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, diabetes gradually has become one of the top non‐communicable disorders, affecting 476.0 million in 2017 and is predicted to reach 570.9 million people in 2025. It is estimated that 70 to 100% of all diabetic patients will develop some if not all, diabetic complications over the course of the disease. Despite different symptoms, mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic complications are similar, likely stemming from deficits in both neuronal and vascular components supplying hyperglycaemia‐susceptible tissues and organs. Diaph1, protein diaphanous homolog 1, although mainly known for its regulatory role in structural modification of actin and related cytoskeleton proteins, in recent years attracted research attention as a cytoplasmic partner of the receptor of advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE) a signal transduction receptor, whose activation triggers an increase in proinflammatory molecules, oxidative stressors and cytokines in diabetes and its related complications. Both Diaph1 and RAGE are also a part of the RhoA signalling cascade, playing a significant role in the development of neurovascular disturbances underlying diabetes‐related complications. In this review, based on the existing knowledge as well as compelling findings from our past and present studies, we address the role of Diaph1 signalling in metabolic stress and neurovascular degeneration in diabetic complications. In light of the most recent developments in biochemical, genomic and transcriptomic research, we describe current theories on the aetiology of diabetes complications, highlighting the function of the Diaph1 signalling system and its role in diabetes pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated malignancy. Immunotherapy is emerging as a potential treatment for advanced PSCC. In this study, the authors analyzed the association of HPV status with outcomes and the immune microenvironment in patients with advanced PSCC undergoing programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) inhibitor–based combination therapy (PCT). Methods: HPV status was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 87 patients with advanced PSCC treated with PCT. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in the HPV+ and HPV– groups were compared. Additionally, bulk RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the potential impact of HPV on the immune microenvironment in advanced PSCC. Results: Among patients receiving first‐line PCT, ORR (91.7% vs. 64.6%, p =.014) and DCR (100.0% vs. 79.2%, p =.025) in the HPV+ group were higher compared to the HPV– group. Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated that the HPV+ group exhibited superior PFS (p =.005) and OS (p =.004) for patients in the first‐line setting. However, these advantages of HPV infection were not observed in multi‐line PCT (p >.050). HPV status remained an independent prognostic factor for predicting better ORR (p =.024), PFS (p =.002), and OS (p =.020) in the multivariate analyses. Landmark analyses showed that the HPV‐induced superiority of PFS occurred at an early stage (within 3 months) and OS occurred at a relatively late stage (within 9 months). Bioinformatic analyses identified potential immune‐activated genes (GLDC, CYP4F12, etc.) and pathways (RAGE, PI3K/AKT, etc.), antitumor immune cell subtypes, and lower tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion scores in HPV+ tissues. Conclusions: HPV infection may confer treatment efficacy and survival benefits in patients with advanced PSCC receiving first‐line PCT because of the possible stimulation of the antitumor immune microenvironment. Plain Language Summary: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may induce better objective response rate, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) for advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) patients receiving first‐line programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor–based combination therapy (PCT) instead of multi‐line PCT.HPV infection‐induced PFS advantage occurs at an early stage (within 3 months) whereas OS superiority occurs at a relatively late stage (within 9 months).Antitumor immune microenvironment could be stimulated by HPV infection in advanced PSCC tissues. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may result in improved treatment efficacy and disease prognosis in patients with advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) receiving first‐line programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor–based combination therapy. The antitumor immune microenvironment is stimulated by HPV infection in advanced PSCC tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmembrane receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a signaling receptor for many damage‐ and pathogen‐associated molecules. Activation of RAGE is associated with inflammation and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Although several sources of ROS have been previously suggested, how RAGE induces ROS production is still unclear, considering the multiple targets of pathogen‐associated molecules. Here, using acute brain slices and primary co‐culture of cortical neurons and astrocytes, we investigated the effects of a range of synthetic peptides corresponding to the fragments of the RAGE V‐domain on redox signaling. We found that the synthetic fragment (60–76) of the RAGE V‐domain induces activation of ROS production in astrocytes and neurons from the primary co‐culture and acute brain slices. This effect occurred through activation of RAGE and could be blocked by a RAGE inhibitor. Activation of RAGE by the synthetic fragment stimulates ROS production in NADPH oxidase (NOX). This RAGE‐induced NOX activation produced only minor decreases in glutathione levels and increased the rate of lipid peroxidation, although it also reduced basal and β‐amyloid induced cell death in neurons and astrocytes. Thus, specific activation of RAGE induces redox signaling through NOX, which can be a part of a cell protective mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic ultrathin nanofilms are increasingly favored in a wide range of applications, including flexible photonics and electronics, smart skin devices, sensing, and bioinspired designs, due to their high flexibility, chemical activity, and stimuli‐responsiveness. To create large‐area, robust, and freestanding nanofilms efficiently, a protein interfacial cooperative assembly technique that utilizes silk fibroin and lysozyme as building blocks is developed. The strong intermolecular interaction between these two proteins, coupled with the abundant intra‐ and intermolecular β‐sheets, confers remarkable mechanical robustness to the nanofilms with thicknesses as low as 50 nm. Consequently, these nanofilms exhibit the unique ability to stand freely in the air and can be conformally transferred to substrates of different types and topographies, forming stable, and versatile nanocoatings. The advantageous attributes of their ultrathinness, large‐scale homogeneity, robustness, and rapid and tunable responsiveness facilitate the construction of ultrasensitive photonic architectures and organic–inorganic hybrid multilayers with outstanding optical and mechanical properties. It is envisioned that these all‐protein‐based robust nanofilms with unique nanoscale effects can be easily integrated into various advanced technological platforms to enable adaptive, multifunctional, and intelligent systems with exceptional mechanical strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAGE is a transmembrane receptor of immunoglobulin family that can bind various endogenous and exogenous ligands, initiating the inflammatory downstream signaling pathways, including inflammaging. Therefore, RAGE represents an attractive drug target for age‐related diseases. For the development of small‐molecule RAGE antagonists, we employed protein‐templated dynamic combinatorial chemistry (ptDCC) using RAGE′s VC1 domain as a template, the first application of this approach in the context of RAGE. The affinities of DCC hits were validated using microscale thermophoresis. Subsequent screening against AGE2 (glyceraldehyde‐modified AGE)‐sRAGE (solubleRAGE) (AGE2‐BSA/sRAGE) interaction using ELISA tests led to the identification of antagonists with micromolar potency. Our findings not only demonstrate the successful application of ptDCC on RAGE but also highlight its potential to address the pressing need for alternative strategies for the development of small‐molecule RAGE antagonists, an area of research that has experienced a slowdown in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously found that ribosomal protein L9 (RPL9) is a novel advanced glycation end product (AGE)‐binding protein that can decrease pro‐inflammatory TNF‐α expression stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), suggesting that RPL9 has a role in regulating LPS+HMGB1‐stimulated inflammatory reactions. Among the various ribosomal proteins, it was found that RPS5 reproduced the regulatory activity of RPL9 on LPS+HMGB1‐stimulated TNF‐α expression in macrophage‐like RAW264.7 cells. RPL9 and RPS5 share a common feature as cationic proteins. Polylysine, a cationic polypeptide, and a synthetic peptide of the cationic region from RPL9 also exhibited reducing activity on LPS+HMGB1‐induced TNF‐α expression. By pull‐down assay, RPL9 and RPS5 were confirmed to interact with AGEs. When AGEs coexisted with LPS, HMGB1, plus RPL9 or RPS5, the reducing effect of TNF‐α expression by these cationic ribosomal proteins was shown to be abrogated. The results suggest that cationic ribosomal proteins have a regulatory role in the pro‐inflammatory response induced by LPS+HMGB1, and in the pathophysiological condition of accumulating AGEs, this regulatory effect is abolished, which exacerbates inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Intestinal senescence is associated with several aging‐related diseases. l‐Theanine (LTA) has demonstrated strong potential as an antioxidant and antisenescence agent. This study investigated the regulatory effect of LTA on cellular senescence using an in vitro model of d‐galactose (D‐Gal)‐induced senescence in the rat epithelial cell line, intestinal epithelioid cell‐6 (IEC‐6). RESULTS: Treatment of IEC‐6 cells with 40 mg/mL D‐Gal for 48 h resulted in the successful development of the senescent cell model. Compared with D‐Gal alone, both LTA preventive and delayed intervention increased cell viability and the ratio of JC‐1 monomers to aggregates, increased the antioxidant capacity, and decreased the advanced glycation end product (AGE) levels and the overall number of senescent cells. Preventive and delayed intervention with 1000 μM LTA alleviated the D‐Gal‐induced cell cycle arrest by regulating p38, p53, CDK4, and CDK6 expression at the mRNA and protein levels, and further induced CycD1 proteins. Moreover, LTA preventive intervention reduced apoptosis to a greater degree than delayed intervention by upregulating the expression of the receptors of AGEs, Bax, Bcl‐2, and NF‐κB at the mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that LTA intervention could attenuate senescence in IEC‐6 cells by regulating the cell cycle and inhibiting apoptosis. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a devastating eye disease that causes permanent vision loss in the central part of the retina, known as the macula. Patients with such severe visual loss face a reduced quality of life and are at a 1.5 times greater risk of death compared to the general population. Currently, there is no cure for or effective treatment for dry AMD. There are several mechanisms thought to underlie the disease, for example, ageing-associated chronic oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, harmful protein aggregation and inflammation. As a way of gaining a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind AMD and thus developing new therapies, we have created a peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor gamma coactivator 1- alpha and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (PGC1α/NFE2L2) double- knockout (dKO) mouse model that mimics many of the clinical features of dry AMD, including elevated levels of oxidative stress markers, damaged mitochondria, accumulating lysosomal lipofuscin and extracellular drusen-like structures in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). In addition, a human RPE cell-based model was established to examine the impact of non-functional intracellular clearance systems on inflammasome activation. In this study, we found that there was a disturbance in the autolysosomal machinery responsible for clearing mitochondria in the RPE cells of one-year-old PGC1α/NFE2L2-deficient mice. The confocal immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increase in autophagosome marker microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) as well as multiple mitophagy markers such as PTE-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and E3 ubiquitin ligase (PARKIN), along with signs of damaged mitochondria. However, no increase in autolysosome formation was detected, nor was there a colocalization of the lysosomal marker LAMP2 or the mitochondrial marker, ATP synthase β. There was an upregulation of late autolysosomal fusion Ras- related protein (Rab7) in the perinuclear space of RPE cells, together with autofluorescent aggregates. Additionally, we observed an increase in the numbers of Toll- like receptors 3 and 9, while those of NOD-like receptor 3 were decreased in PGC1α/NFE2L2 dKO retinal specimens compared to wild-type animals. There was a trend towards increased complement component C5a and increased involvement of the serine protease enzyme, thrombin, in enhancing the terminal pathway producing C5a, independent of C3. The levels of primary acute phase C- reactive protein and receptor for advanced glycation end products were also increased in the PGC1α/NFE2L2 dKO retina. Furthermore, selective proteasome inhibition with epoxomicin promoted both nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and mitochondrial- mediated oxidative stress, leading to the release of mitochondrial DNA to the cytosol, resulting in potassium efflux-dependent activation of the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome and the subsequent secretion of interleukin-1β in ARPE-19 cells. In conclusion, the data suggest that there is at least a relative decrease in mitophagy, increases in the amounts of C5 and thrombin and decreased C3 levels in this dry AMD- like model. Moreover, selective proteasome inhibition evoked mitochondrial damage and AIM2 inflammasome activation in ARPE-19 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of cellular energy changes and controls food intake. This study investigates the effect of a high‐calorie diet (high fat diet [HFD], high carbohydrate diet [HCD] and high energy diet [HED]) on appetite and central AMPK in blunt snout bream. In the present study, fish (average initial weight 45.84 ± 0.07 g) were fed the control, HFD, HCD and HED in four replicates for 12 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, the result showed that body mass index, specific growth rate, feed efficiency ratio and feed intake were not affected (p > 0.05) by dietary treatment. However, fish fed the HFD obtained a significantly higher (p < 0.05) lipid productive value, lipid gain and lipid intake than those fed the control diet, but no significant difference was attributed to others. Also, a significantly higher (p < 0.05) energy intake content was found in fish‐fed HFD, HCD and HED than those given the control diet. Long‐term HFD and HCD feeding significantly increased (p < 0.05) plasma glucose, glycated serum protein, advanced glycation end product, insulin and leptin content levels than the control group. Moreover, a significantly lower (p < 0.05) complex 1, 2 and 3 content was found in fish‐fed HFD and HCD than in the control, but no differences (p > 0.05) were attributed to those in HED. Fish‐fed HED significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) hypothalamic ampα 1 and ampα 2 expression, whereas the opposite trend was observed in the hypothalamic mammalian target of rapamycin than those in HFD and HCD compared to the control. However, hypothalamic neuropeptide y, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (pparα), acetyl‐coa oxidase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05) in the HCD group, while the opposite was seen in cholecystokinin expression compared to those in the control group. Our findings indicated that the central AMPK signal pathway and appetite were modulated according to the diet's energy level to regulate nutritional status and maintain energy homoeostasis in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Repeated exposure to cocaine induces microglial activation. Cocaine exposure also induces a release of high mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) from neurons into the extracellular space in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). HMGB1 is an important late inflammatory mediator of microglial activation. However, whether the secretion of HMGB1 acts on microglia or contributes to cocaine addiction is largely unknown. Methods: Rats were trained by intraperitoneal cocaine administration and cocaine‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Expression of HMGB1 was regulated by viral vectors. Activation of microglia was inhibited by minocycline. Interaction of HMGB1 and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) was disrupted by peptide. Results: Cocaine injection facilitated HMGB1 signaling, together with the delayed activation of microglia concurrently in the NAc. Furthermore, the inhibition of HMGB1 or microglia activation attenuated cocaine‐induced CPP. Box A, a specific antagonist to interrupt the interaction of HMGB1 and RAGE, abolished the expression of cocaine reward memory. Meanwhile, the inhibition of HMGB1–RAGE interaction suppressed cocaine‐induced microglial activation, as well as the consolidation of cocaine‐induced memory. Conclusion: All above results suggest that the neural HMGB1 induces activation of microglia through RAGE, which contributes to the consolidation of cocaine reward memory. These findings offer HMGB1–RAGE axis as a new target for the treatment of drug addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient structures play a wide range of vital roles in biological systems. Different from static structures that form the skeleton of bio‐tissues, transient structures only occur at certain spatial and temporal scales to undertake their duties in the life circle. Despite the significant progress in the field of artificial molecular self‐assembly studies, it still remains challenging to construct functional transient structures. Herein, the shaping of transient coordinating self‐assembled structures and their fluorescence is reported via host‐guest interaction that disfavors the assembly. The host‐guest interaction between the luminescent ligand and cyclodextrin drastically changes the kinetics of the coordinating self‐assembly, enabling the formation of transient structures. Different from the static equilibrium one with typical monomer emission in the UV region, the transient self‐assembly forms excimers, leading to visible emission. More intriguingly, the life cycle of the transient structures can be easily modulated by varying the host‐guest ratio, ligand‐metal ratio, as well as temperature. This makes it possible to create living patterns that mimic the growth of plants at different life stages. It is therefore envisioned that the creation of transient molecular self‐assembly will open a new paradigm in the field of molecular self‐assembly featuring advanced materials with dynamic functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, immune‐mediated inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythematous scaly lesions. Obesity is currently a major global health concern, increasing the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Since the correlation between psoriasis and obesity, as well as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, has been clinically evidenced, it is of certain clinical significance to explore the mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of psoriasis with these conditions. Materials and methods: Gene targets for both diseases were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) comprehensive gene expression database. Differential gene analysis, intersection gene analysis, construction and visualization of protein‐protein interaction networks (PPI) using R software, Cytoscape 3.8.2 software, online tools such as String, and enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed, with relevant graphics generated. Results: Analysis identified 29 intersecting genes between the two diseases, with 10 key targets such as S100A7 and SERPINB4. Enrichment analysis indicated their involvement in regulating biological processes such as leukocyte chemotaxis, migration, and chronic inflammatory responses through cellular structures such as intracellular vesicles and extracellular matrix. Molecular functions, including RAGE receptor binding, Toll‐like receptor binding, and fatty acid binding, were found to simultaneously regulate psoriasis and obesity. Conclusion: Psoriasis and obesity may mutually influence each other through multiple targets and pathways, emphasizing the importance of considering comorbidity treatment and daily care in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced atomic tracking techniques play a critical role in characterizing structural evolution, elucidating fundamental mechanisms of exotic phenomena and tailoring delicate properties. Thermally driven structural modulation in 2D crystals, such as the charge density wave (CDW), often leads to intriguing quantum properties, making them a valuable platform for exploring fundamental physics and potential device applications. However, despite their significance, experimental studies addressing atomic tracking of thermally‐driven structural evolution in 2D crystals have been limited. Herein, we utilize high‐accuracy variable‐temperature atomic tracking measurements with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to directly observe a series of structural transitions in a model 2D crystal, namely NbSe2. With the atomic tracking technique, we confirm the existence of the universal thermally‐driven CDW transition hysteresis between the heating and cooling cycles. This transition hysteresis, characterized by a constant temperature offset, represents a new phenomenon of structural evolution. Our findings provide a feasible method to track CDW transitions at the atomic scale in 2D crystals, significantly contributing to a better understanding and the potential modulation of these materials' functions in nanodevices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation explores the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The study found that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), the process of transplanting gut microbiota from healthy donors into patients, can improve enteric environments and alleviate DPN symptoms. In animal and preliminary human studies, FMT has also shown potential as a therapy for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. While the study provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of DPN and the efficacy of FMT, further research with larger sample sizes and longer durations is needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

BACKGROUND: Pharmacological interference is considered to be a successful approach to inhibit advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) production and to block AGEs‐induced diseases. Some synthetic medicines are effective for inhibiting the glycation reaction, but they cannot be widely applied in clinical as a result of their side effects and security concerns. The present study uses blueberry anthocyanins extract (BAE) to attenuate AGEs formation and AGEs‐induced inflammatory response in vitro. RESULTS: In a bovine serum albumin‐glucose model, BAE showed similar inhibitory activity on AGEs compared to the synthetic anti‐glycation agent (aminoguanidine). The results showed that BAE exhibit strong anti‐glycative action by scavenging glycosylated intermediates (Schiff base, fructosamine and α‐dicarbonyl compounds), attenuating the molecular aggregation and amyloid‐like fibrils formation, and preventing conformational modification. Additionally, BAE was found to dose‐dependently inhibit the AGEs‐induced secretions of nitric oxide and pro‐inflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐6, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and tumor necrosis factor‐α) in RAW264.7 cells. The anti‐inflammation activity of BAE was mediated by down‐regulating the expressions of critical inflammatory markers, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2, through nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling pathways inhibition. CONCLUSION: BAE could serve as a natural inhibitor for controlling AGEs and AGEs‐induced chronic inflammation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated the actions of advanced glycated end‐products (AGE), their receptors (RAGE), and NAD(P)H oxidase (Nox) subtypes 1, 2, and 4 on mechanisms of endothelium‐dependent dilation of the rat cremaster muscle artery (CMA). Methods: Immunofluorescence studies were used to examine expression of RAGE in rat arteries. ROS accumulation was measured using luminescence and fluorescence assays. Functional studies were performed using pressure myography. Results: High levels of RAGE expression were shown in the endothelial cells of the CMA, compared with low endothelial expression in middle cerebral and mesenteric arteries and the aorta. Exogenous AGE (in vitro glycated bovine serum albumin) stimulated H2O2 accumulation in CMA, which was prevented by the RAGE antagonist FPS‐ZM1, the NAD(P)H oxidase (Nox) inhibitor apocynin and inhibited by the Nox1/4 inhibitor setanaxib, but not the Nox2 inhibitor GSK2795039. In functional studies, AGE inhibited vasodilation of CMA stimulated by acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, and the BKCa activator NS1619, but not adenosine‐induced dilation. FPS‐ZM1, apocynin, and setanaxib prevented the inhibitory effects of AGE on responses to acetylcholine and NS‐1619. Conclusion: These observations suggest RAGE are constitutively expressed in the endothelium of the rat CMA and may be activated by AGE to stimulate Nox1/4 and ROS formation with resulting inhibition of NO and BKCa‐mediated endothelium‐dependent dilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut skin (PS) contains various flavonoids and phenols that have antitumor and antioxidant effects. However, no research has been conducted on PS and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this study sought to explore the potential mechanism of PS in treating HCC. PS was searched for in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and SYMMAP databases. HCC targets were searched for in five major databases. Protein‐protein interaction network, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used for verification. Furthermore, in vitro experiments were used to verify the regulation of PS on human HCC (HepG2) cells. Ten ingredients and 95 common targets were identified for PS and HCC, respectively. The key targets of ingredients mainly relate to pathways such as hepatitis B, lipid and atherosclerosis, advanced glycation end products (AGEs)‐AGE receptors (RAGEs) signaling pathway in diabetic complications, interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) signaling pathway, mitogen activated kinase‐like protein (MAPK) signaling pathway, the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. In addition, the molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analysis indicated the ingredients had strong binding ability with the targets. Moreover, in vitro experiments confirmed that luteolin can promote the apoptosis of HepG2 cells by controlling the expression of phosphorylated protein‐tyrosine kinase (p‐AKT). This study provides preliminary evidence that PS produces a marked effect in regulating multiple signaling pathways in HCC through multiple ingredients acting on multiple core genes, including AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), MYC, caspase 3 (CASP3), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), jun proto‐oncogene(JUN), and provides the basis for follow‐up research to verify the mechanism of action of PS in treating HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased prevalence of neurological illnesses is a burgeoning challenge to the public healthcare system and presents greater financial pressure. Formononetin, an O‐methylated isoflavone, has gained a lot of attention due to its neuroprotective potential explored in several investigations. Formononetin is widely found in legumes and several types of clovers including Trifolium pratense L., Astragalus membranaceus, Sophora tomentosa, etc. Formononetin modulates various endogenous mediators to confer neuroprotection. It prevents RAGE activation that results in the inhibition of neuronal damage via downregulating the level of ROS and proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, formononetin also increases the expression of ADAM‐10, which affects the pathology of neurodegenerative disease by lowering tau phosphorylation, maintaining synaptic plasticity, and boosting hippocampus neurogenesis. Besides these, formononetin also increases the expression of antioxidants, Nrf‐2, PI3K, ApoJ, and LRP1. Whereas, reduces the expression of p65‐NF‐κB and proinflammatory cytokines. It also inhibits the deposition of Aβ and MAO‐B activity. An inhibition of Aβ/RAGE‐induced activation of MAPK and NOX governs the protection elicited by formononetin against inflammatory and oxidative stress‐induced neuronal damage. Besides this, PI3K/Akt and ER‐α‐mediated activation of ADAM10, ApoJ/LRP1‐mediated clearance of Aβ, and MAO‐B inhibition‐mediated preservation of dopaminergic neurons integrity are the major modulations produced by formononetin. This review covers the biosynthesis of formononetin and key molecular pathways modulated by formononetin to confer neuroprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant proteins are expected to become a major protein source to replace currently used animal-derived proteins in the coming years. However, there are always challenges when using these proteins due to their low water solubility induced by the high molecular weight storage proteins. One approach to address this challenge is to modify proteins through Maillard glycation, which involves the reaction between proteins and carbohydrates. In this review, we discuss various chemical methods currently available for determining the indicators of the Maillard reaction in the early stage, including the graft degree of glycation and the available lysine or sugar, which are involved in the very beginning of the reaction. We also provide a detailed description of the most popular methods for determining graft sites and assessing different plant protein structures and functionalities upon non-enzymatic glycation. This review offers valuable insights for researchers and food scientists in order to develop plant-based protein ingredients with improved functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A robust and heterogenous secretory phenotype is a core feature of most senescent cells. In addition to mediators of age‐related pathology, components of the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) have been studied as biomarkers of senescent cell burden and, in turn, biological age. Therefore, we hypothesized that circulating concentrations of candidate senescence biomarkers, including chemokines, cytokines, matrix remodeling proteins, and growth factors, could predict mortality in older adults. We assessed associations between plasma levels of 28 SASP proteins and risk of mortality over a median follow‐up of 6.3 years in 1923 patients 65 years of age or older with zero or one chronic condition at baseline. Overall, the five senescence biomarkers most strongly associated with an increased risk of death were GDF15, RAGE, VEGFA, PARC, and MMP2, after adjusting for age, sex, race, and the presence of one chronic condition. The combination of biomarkers and clinical and demographic covariates exhibited a significantly higher c‐statistic for risk of death (0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76–0.82) than the covariates alone (0.70, CI: 0.67–0.74) (p < 0.001). Collectively, these findings lend further support to biomarkers of cellular senescence as informative predictors of clinically important health outcomes in older adults, including death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous RC48 (Disitamab Vedotin) studies established that the safety and efficacy of RC48‐antibody–drug conjugate (ADC), either alone or combined with toripalimab, for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) patients exhibiting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive or even HER2‐negative status after standard chemotherapy failure. Methods: With locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC), patients who received RC48‐ADC monotherapy or a combination with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) inhibitors between August 2021 and October 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective observational study to evaluate the real‐world antitumor effectiveness and safety. Results: Among the 38 enrolled patients (29 males; median age 67.5 years [38–93]), 8 received RC48‐ADC monotherapy, while 30 received combination therapy. Initially, 63.2% (24/38) of the patients had received ≥1 line of prior treatment, and 63.2% (24/38) had visceral metastasis. UC of the bladder represented the majority type in 68.4% (26/38) of cases. By the data cutoff in March 2023, the overall objective response rate (ORR) was 63.2% (95% CI, 47.1%–79.2%), with a disease control rate (DCR) of 89.5% (95% CI, 79.3%–99.7%). Median follow‐up time was 10.6 months. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 8.2 months (95% CI, 5.9–10.5), with a 6‐month PFS rate of 63.2% and a 12‐month PFS rate of 34.1%. Median overall survival (OS) was not reached, with a 12‐month OS rate of 76.7%. The median duration of response was 7.3 months (95% CI, 4.6–10.0) among 24 patients evaluated as partial response (PR). The most common treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) included anemia (71.1%), anorexia (57.9%), asthenia (52.6%), hypoesthesia (52.6%), bone marrow suppression (47.4%), alopecia (47.4%), nausea (44.7%), proteinuria (36.8%), vomiting (34.2%), and hypoalbuminemia (31.6%). No patient experienced TRAEs of Grade ≥3. One patient had an immune‐related adverse event (irAE) of rash related to toripalimab. Conclusions: Both as monotherapy and in combination with PD‐1 inhibitors, RC48‐ADC exhibits promising effectiveness and manageable safety profile for mUC patients in real‐world settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combination therapies have shown promise in the first‐line treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). However, the best partner remains to be validated. Moreover, progress on biomarkers predicting the efficacy of ICI in BTC is slow. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and investigate reliable predictive biomarkers of programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) antibody combination therapy in the first‐line treatment of advanced BTC. Methods: Clinical data from patients with advanced BTC who received chemotherapy or anti‐PD‐1 combination therapy as first‐line were collected. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Biomarkers, including peripheral blood inflammation scores, genetic alterations, and tumor microenvironment were investigated. Findings: Sixty‐four patients were recruited and divided into four treatment groups: chemotherapy, anti‐PD‐1 plus chemotherapy, anti‐PD‐1 plus targeted therapy, and triple group (anti‐PD‐1 plus chemotherapy and targeted therapy). The median OS was 7.9, 11.3, 12.8, and 28.7 months, respectively. Compared to chemotherapy, mOS significantly prolonged in the triple group (p = 0.031). It showed that patients with five different peripheral blood inflammation scores had significantly prolonged mOS (p < 0.05). Genetic testing results suggested that patients with poor survival all had TP53 mutations and higher levels of KRAS and ERBB2 mutations. Low FOXP3/CD8 ratio was associated with prolonged OS (p = 0.029). With CD4‐low, CD8‐high, CD56‐positive, CD163‐high, FOXP3‐high and MPO‐high in TME as one factor, we calculated PLUS score according to the number of factors. The high‐PLUS (>2) group showed significantly superior OS (p = 0.003). Interpretation: First‐line anti‐PD‐1 combination therapy was superior to chemotherapy, and triple therapy significantly improved survival. Peripheral blood immune‐inflammation score, FOXP3/CD8 ratio, and PLUS have potential as biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of first‐line anti‐PD‐1 therapy in advanced BTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia play a crucial role in regulating neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of neonatal hypoxic–ischemic brain damage (HIBD). Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death, has been implicated in HIBD; however, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that high‐mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) mediates neuroinflammation and microglial damage in HIBD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between HMGB1 and microglial pyroptosis and elucidate the mechanism involved in rats with HIBD (both sexes were included) and in BV2 microglia subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation. Our results showed that HMGB1 inhibition by glycyrrhizin (20 mg/kg) reduced the expression of microglial pyroptosis‐related proteins, including caspase‐1, the N‐terminus fragment of gasdermin D (N‐GSDMD), and pyroptosis‐related inflammatory factors, such as interleukin (IL) ‐1β and IL‐18. Moreover, HMGB1 inhibition resulted in reduced neuronal damage in the hippocampus 72 h after HIBD and ultimately improved neurobehavior during adulthood, as evidenced by reduced escape latency and path length, as well as increased time and distance spent in the target quadrant during the Morris water maze test. These results revealed that HIBD‐induced pyroptosis is mediated by HMGB1/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signaling (inhibition by FPS‐ZM1, 1 mg/kg) and the activation of cathespin B (cat B). Notably, cat B inhibition by CA074‐Me (5 mg/kg) also reduced hippocampal neuronal damage by suppressing microglial pyroptosis, thereby ameliorating learning and memory impairments caused by HIBD. Lastly, we demonstrated that microglial pyroptosis may contribute to neuronal damage through the HMGB1/RAGE/cat B signaling pathway in vitro. In conclusion, these results suggest that HMGB1/RAGE/cat B inhibitors can alleviate hippocampal injury by regulating microglial pyroptosis and caspase activation in HIBD, thereby reducing the release of proinflammatory mediators that destroy hippocampal neurons and induce spatial memory impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabidiol (CBD), the most abundant nonpsychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa plant, is a promising potential pharmacotherapy for the treatment of diabetes and associated comorbidities. Previous studies have shown the potential of CBD to prevent diabetes in mice, the precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of CBD alleviating hyperglycemia. The results demonstrated that CBD reduced blood glucose of STZ‐induced diabetic mice without causing hypoglycemia. To elucidate the possible mechanisms of CBD effect, RNA‐seq analysis was performed on high glucose‐induced human mesangial cells (HMCs). By cluster analysis of differential genes, the results showed that advanced glycation end products‐receptor of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE‐RAGE) pathway‐related genes CCL2 and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) play an important role in the biological of CBD. The expression of CCL2 and IL‐1β were significantly increased in HMCs. Whereas, treatment with CBD decreased the expression of CCL2 and IL‐1β. In addition, CBD significantly reduced AGE‐RAGE levels in high glucose‐induced HMCs. Similar results were confirmed in diabetic mice. In conclusion, we discovered for the first time that CBD ameliorates hyperglycemia partly through AGE‐RAGE mediated CCL2/IL‐1β pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of lead acetate (PbAc) and sinapic acid (SNP) administration on oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, sperm quality and histopathology in testicular tissue of rats was tried to be determined. PbAc was administered at a dose of 30 mg/kg/bw for 7 days to induce testicular toxicity in rats. Oral doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg/bw SNP were administered to rats for 7 days after PbAc administration. According to our findings, while PbAc administration increased MDA content in rats, it decreased GPx, SOD, CAT activity and GSH content. NF‐kB, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and COX‐2, which are among the inflammation parameters that increased due to PbAc, decreased with the administration of SNP. Nrf2, HO‐1, and NQO1 mRNA transcript levels decreased with PbAc, but SNP treatments increased these mRNA levels in a dose‐dependent manner. RAGE and NLRP3 gene expression were upregulated in PbAc treated rats. MAPK14, MAPK15, and JNK relative mRNA levels decreased with SNP treatment in PbAc treated rats. While the levels of apoptosis markers Bax, Caspase‐3, and Apaf‐1 increased in rats treated with PbAc, the level of Bcl‐2 decreased, but SNP inhibited this apoptosis markers. PbAc caused histopathological deterioration in testis tissue and negatively affected spermatogenesis. When the sperm quality was examined, the decrease in sperm motility and spermatozoon density caused by PbAc, and the increase in the ratio of dead and abnormal spermatozoa were inhibited by SNP. As a result, while PbAc increased apoptosis and inflammation by inducing oxidative stress in testicles, SNP treatment inhibited these changes and increased sperm quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncapped free 20S proteasomes are abundant and active in cells, and yet their degraded intracellular protein substrates have remained underexplored. In their recent study, Sharon and colleagues (Pepelnjak et al, 2024) developed an advanced proteomics method (PiP-MS) to comprehensively explore 20S proteasome substrates in the human proteome. The substrates of uncapped free 20S proteasomes have remained underexplored. In their recent study, Sharon, Picotti and colleagues (Pepelnjak et al, 2024) develop a proteomics-based method (PiP-MS) and comprehensively explore 20S proteasome substrates in the human proteome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis, the leading cause of death worldwide, is responsible for ≈17.6 million deaths globally each year. Most therapeutic drugs for atherosclerosis have low delivery efficiencies and significant side effects, and this has hampered the development of effective treatment strategies. Diversified nanomaterials can improve drug properties and are considered to be key for the development of improved treatment strategies for atherosclerosis. The pathological mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis is summarized, rationally designed nanoparticle-mediated therapeutic strategies, and potential future therapeutic targets for nanodelivery. The content of this study reveals the potential and challenges of nanoparticle use for the treatment of atherosclerosis and highlights new effective design ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosine monophosphate kinase/liver kinase B1/peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator 1‐α (AMPK/LKB1/PGC1α) pathway has a vital role in regulating age‐related diseases. It controls neurogenesis, cell proliferation, axon outgrowth, and cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK pathway also regulates mitochondrial synthesis. The current study evaluated the effect of chrysin on D‐galactose (D‐gal) induced‐aging, neuron degeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in mice. The mice were allocated randomly into four groups (10 each group): Group 1: normal control group, Group 2: D‐gal group, Groups 3 and 4: chrysin (125 and 250 mg/kg, respectively). Groups 2–4 were injected with D‐gal (200 mg/kg/day; s.c) for 8 weeks to induce aging. Groups 3 and 4 were orally gavaged every day concurrent with D‐gal. At the end of experiment, behavioral, brain biochemical and histopathological changes were monitored. Chrysin administration elevated discrimination ratio in object recognition, Y Maze percentage alternation, locomotor activity and brain contents of AMPK, LKB1, PGC1α, NAD (P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1), nerve growth factor (NGF) (neurotrophin‐3; NT‐3), and seretonin as well as reduced brain contents of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) compared to D‐gal‐treated mice. Chrysin also alleviated cerebral cortex and white matter neurons degeneration. Chrysin protects against neurodegeneration, improves mitochondrial autophagy and biogenesis as well as activates antioxidant genes expression. In addition, chrysin ameliorates neuroinflammation and stimulates the release of NGF and serotonin neurotransmitter. So, chrysin has a neuroprotective effect in D‐gal induced‐aging in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lysosomal cathepsin D (CTSD) can degrade internalized advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in dermal fibroblasts. CTSD expression is decreased in photoaged fibroblasts, which contributes to intracellular AGEs deposition and further plays a role in AGEs accumulation of photoaged skin. The mechanism under downregulated CTSD expression is unclear. Objective: To explore possible mechanism of regulating CTSD expression in photoaged fibroblasts. Methods: Dermal fibroblasts were induced into photoaging with repetitive ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed to predict candidate circRNAs or miRNAs related with CTSD expression. AGEs‐BSA degradation by fibroblasts was studied with flow cytometry, ELISA, and confocal microscopy. Effects of overexpressing circRNA‐406918 via lentiviral transduction on CTSD expression, autophagy, AGE‐BSA degradation were analyzed in photoaged fibroblasts. The correlation between circRNA‐406918 and CTSD expression or AGEs accumulation in sun‐exposed and sun‐protected skin was studied. Results: CTSD expression, autophagy, and AGEs‐BSA degradation were significantly decreased in photoaged fibroblasts. CircRNA‐406918 was identified to regulate CTSD expression, autophagy, and senescence in photoaged fibroblasts. Overexpressing circRNA‐406918 potently decreased senescence and increased CTSD expression, autophagic flux, and AGEs‐BSA degradation in photoaged fibroblasts. Moreover, circRNA‐406918 level was positively correlated with CTSD mRNA expression and negatively associated with AGEs accumulation in photodamaged skin. Further, circRNA‐406918 was predicted to mediate CTSD expression through sponging eight miRNAs. Conclusion: These findings suggest that circRNA‐406918 regulates CTSD expression and AGEs degradation in UVA‐induced photoaged fibroblasts and might exert a role in AGEs accumulation in photoaged skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study compares the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib and programmed cell death protein (PD)‐1 versus lenvatinib alone for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (Ad‐HCC) refractory to hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). Methods: From April 2016 to September 2021, 145 patients with Ad‐HCC refractory to HAIC based on modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria were enrolled by two radiologists and classified into the HAIC‐lenvatinib group (H‐L, n = 87) and HAIC‐lenvatinib‐PD‐1 group (H‐L‐P, n = 58). A propensity score‐matching method was used to reduce selective bias. The overall survival (OS) and postprogression‐free survival (PPS) rates were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method with log‐rank test. Multivariable analyses of independent prognostic factors were evaluated by means of the forward stepwise Cox regression model. Results: After propensity score matching 1:1, the median OS was 43.6 months in the H‐L‐P group and was significantly longer than that (18.9 months) of the H‐L group (p =.009). The median PPS was 35.6 months in the H‐L‐P group and was significantly longer than that (9.4 months) of the H‐L group (p =.009). Multivariate analyses showed that the factors that ‎significantly affected the OS were‎ α‐fetoprotein (hazard ratio [HR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.26–3.98; p =.006), early response to HAIC (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 1.20–3.85; p =.009), and H‐L treatment (HR, ‎0.52; 95% CI, 0.30–0.86; p =.012). Modified albumin‐bilirubin grade (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.03–1.70; p =.026), early response to HAIC (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25–0.77; p =.004), and H‐L (HR, ‎0.47‎; 95% CI, 0.28–0.78; p =.003) significantly affected the PPS. Conclusions: This combination therapy of PD‐1 inhibitors plus lenvatinib has promising survival benefits in the management of patients with Ad‐HCC refractory to HAIC. Plain Language Summary: Lenvatinib plus programmed death 1 inhibitor is an effective and safe postprogression treatment and improved significantly overall survival and postprogression‐free survival compared with lenvatinib alone in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma refractory to hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. Lenvatinib plus programmed death 1 (PD‐1) inhibitor improved median overall survival (OS) and postprogression‐free survival (PPS) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma refractory to hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy compared with lenvatinib alone (OS, 18.9 vs 43.6 months, p =.003; PPS, 9.4 vs 35.6 months, p =.002). Lenvatinib plus PD‐1 inhibitor group had a higher postprogression control rate (89.2% [40 of 45 patients] vs 46.5% [21 of 45 patients], p <.001) compared with lenvatinib alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonenzymatic protein glycation and the subsequent formation of advanced glycation end products is a process involved in the long‐term complications of diabetes. In this context the collaboration, in the last 30 years, between my research group, operating in the DPT of Medicine of Padua University, and the mass spectrometric group, operating in CNR of Padua, are described and discussed. The development of new mass spectrometric techniques has allowed investigation more indepth, starting from the applications on small molecules responsible for the browning observed in the interactions between sugars and proteins, and growing up to intact proteins as albumin, immunoglobulin, hemoglobin, and so forth, with the determination of their glycation levels as well as their glycation sites. This study has helped to clarify the role of advanced glycation end products in the pathogenesis of the chronic complications of diabetes. In particular the results obtained in diabetic nephropathy, diabetic cardiovascular disease and in placenta samples of patients affected by gestational diabetes are described in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Optimal body mass and composition as well as metabolic fitness require tightly regulated and interconnected mechanisms across tissues. Disturbances in these regulatory networks tip the balance between metabolic health versus overweight and obesity and their complications. The authors previously demonstrated roles for the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in obesity, as global‐ or adipocyte‐specific deletion of Ager (the gene encoding RAGE) protected mice from high‐fat diet‐induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Methods: To explore translational strategies evoked by these observations, a small molecule antagonist of RAGE signaling, RAGE229, was administered to lean mice and mice with obesity undergoing diet‐induced weight loss. Body mass and composition and whole body and adipose tissue metabolism were examined. Results: This study demonstrates that antagonism of RAGE signaling reduced body mass and adiposity and improved glucose, insulin, and lipid metabolism in lean male and female mice and in male mice with obesity undergoing weight loss. In adipose tissue and in human and mouse adipocytes, RAGE229 enhanced phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates, which augmented lipolysis, mitochondrial function, and thermogenic programs. Conclusions: Pharmacological antagonism of RAGE signaling is a potent strategy to optimize healthful body mass and composition and metabolic fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is much higher in patients with type II diabetes (T2D). Inflammasomes are multimolecular complexes reported to involve inflammatory conditions. The nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like factor 2/antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2/ARE) pathway is an important regulator of antioxidant status in cells. Antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (GLB) is reported as NACHT, leucine‐rich repeat, and pyrin domain domains‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome inhibitor, whereas anti‐multiple sclerosis drug dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is reported as an Nrf2/ARE pathway activator. Both GLB and DMF possess anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, therefore, the hypothesis was made to look into the alone as well as the combination potential of GLB, DMF, and GLB + DMF, against NAFLD in diabetic rats. This study was aimed to investigate (1) the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome and Nrf2/ARE signaling in diabetes‐associated NAFLD (2) the effect of GLB, DMF, GLB + DMF, and metformin (MET) interventions on NLRP3 inflammasome and Nrf2/ARE signaling in diabetes‐associated NAFLD. The rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) 35 mg/kg and fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 17 consecutive weeks to induce diabetic NAFLD. The oral treatment of GLB 0.5 mg/kg/day, DMF 25 mg/kg/day, their combination and MET 200 mg/kg/day, were provided from the 6th to the 17th week. Treatment with GLB, DMF, GLB + DMF, and MET significantly alleviated HFD + STZ‐induced plasma glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, %HbA1c, hepatic steatosis, NLRP3, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain, CARD, caspase‐1, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), Nrf2, superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, IGF 1, heme oxygenase 1, receptor for the advanced glycation end product (RAGE), and collagen‐1 in diabetic rats. Further, a mechanistic molecular study employing other specific NLRP3 inhibitors and Nrf2 activators will significantly contribute to the development of novel therapy for fatty liver diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound‐assisted glycation is a promising method for decreasing the allergenicity of α‐lactalbumin (ALA). However, there is a lack of in vivo studies on the allergenicity of ultrasound‐assisted glycated ALA. In this study, the effects of the ultrasound‐assisted glycation of ALA on the allergenicity and intestinal microflora were characterized using a BALB/c mouse model. RESULTS: Increased immunoglobulin ‐G/ immunoglobulin‐E (IgG/IgE) and interleukin‐4/6 (IL‐4/6) secretions, and reduced interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) secretions were found in the serum of ALA sensitized and challenged, mice in comparison with a control group. However, there was no significant difference between the mice fed with ultrasound‐assisted glycated ALA and the control group. Mice that were sensitized and challenged with ALA showed disrupted intestinal microflora, manifesting in significantly decreased Firmicutes and significantly increased Proteobacteria. It was found that 100ALA‐gal could maintain the intestinal microflora of mice in a normal state. Pearson's rank correlation showed that Proteobacteria and Spirochaetota were correlated positively with the IL‐4/IL‐6 level and were correlated negatively with the expression of IFN‐γ. Proteobacteria were also significantly positively correlated with IL‐6 and negatively correlated with IFN‐γ (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggested that ultrasound‐assisted glycation on ALA can maintain the intestinal microflora in a normal state thus balancing the proportion of Th1/Th2 to decrease allergic reaction. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Intestinal mucositis is the major side effect during abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy, but the underlying immunogen remains to be further characterised and few radioprotective agents are available. This study investigated the role of dsDNA‐triggered inflammasomes in intestinal mucositis during radiotherapy. Methods: Pro‐inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA. Radiation‐induced intestinal injury in mice was analyzed by means of survival curves, body weight, HE staining of intestines, and intestinal barrier integrity. Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, co‐immunoprecipitation assay and flow cytometry were used to investigate the regulatory role of dsDNA on inflammasomes. Results: Here, we show that a high level of IL‐1β and IL‐18 is associated with diarrhoea in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients during radiotherapy, which accounts for intestinal radiotoxicity. Subsequently, we found that the dose‐dependently released dsDNA from the intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) serves as the potential immunogenic molecule for radiation‐induced intestinal mucositis. Our results further indicate that the released dsDNA transfers into the macrophages in an HMGB1/RAGE‐dependent manner and then triggers absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome activation and the IL‐1β and IL‐18 secretion. Finally, we show that the FDA‐approved disulfiram (DSF), a newly identified inflammasome inhibitor, could mitigate intestinal radiotoxicity by controlling inflammasome. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the extracellular self‐dsDNA released from the irradiated IECs is a potential immunogen to stimulate immune cells and trigger the subsequent intestinal mucositis, while blunting the dsDNA‐triggered inflammasome in macrophages may represent an exciting therapeutic strategy for side effects control during abdominal radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including antibodies against programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) and its receptor programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1), represents a promising systematic treatment for advanced human malignancies. Transplantation remains the ultimate therapy for end‐stage organ diseases. However, the efficacy of ICI treatment in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients remains controversial. We established a transgenic primary liver cancer mouse model and performed allogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation. Different treatments were performed and survival curves were calculated. Graft samples were collected, and immune cells and the cell surface expression of PD‐L1 were analysed by flow cytometry. Inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum were measured by an inflammatory array. The specificity of the histochemical techniques was tested by staining sections. A combination immunotherapy comprising a BET protein inhibitor (JQ1) and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti‐PD‐L1 antibody) was administered to primary liver cancer model mice bearing cardiac allografts. Interestingly, the combination immunotherapy effectively suppressed the progression of primary liver cancer but did not accelerate allograft rejection. In accordance with our previous findings, BET protein inhibition enhances the expression of a putative membrane transporter (Rab8A), which upregulates the expression of PD‐L1 on the plasma membrane in a transgenic primary liver cancer mouse model. This may be a crucial mechanism of tumour progression arrest. Our data showed that heart transplantation upregulated the expression of the proinflammatory factor IFN‐γ and suggested that BET protein inhibition (with JQ1) decreased PD‐L1 expression in heart tissues after cardiac transplantation. This phenomenon was accompanied by enhanced infiltration of inflammatory IFN‐γ. Our study provides a novel and efficient therapeutic strategy for SOT recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collagen is a prominent target of nonenzymatic glycation, which is a hallmark of aging and causes functional alteration of the matrix. Here, we uncover glycation‐mediated structural and functional changes in the collagen‐enriched meningeal membrane of the human and mouse brain. Using an in vitro culture platform mimicking the meningeal membrane composed of fibrillar collagen, we showed that the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the collagen membrane is responsible for glycation‐mediated matrix remodeling. These changes influence fibroblast‐matrix interactions, inducing cell‐mediated ECM remodeling. The adherence of meningeal fibroblasts to the glycated collagen membrane was mediated by the discoidin domain‐containing receptor 2 (DDR2), whereas integrin‐mediated adhesion was inhibited. A‐kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12)‐positive meningeal fibroblasts in the meningeal membrane of aged mice exhibited substantially increased expression of DDR2 and depletion of integrin beta‐1 (ITGB1). In the glycated collagen membrane, meningeal fibroblasts increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) and less tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP1). In contrast, the cells exhibited decreased expression of type I collagen (COL1A1). These results suggest that glycation modification by meningeal fibroblasts is intimately linked to aging‐related structural and functional alterations in the meningeal membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of agents targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) immune checkpoint has transformed treatment of advanced and/or metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, a substantial proportion of patients treated with these agents do not respond or experience only a brief period of clinical benefit. Even among those whose disease responds, many subsequently experience disease progression. Consequently, novel approaches are needed that enhance antitumor immunity and counter resistance to PD‐(L)1 inhibitors, thereby improving and/or prolonging responses and patient outcomes, in both PD‐(L)1 inhibitor‐sensitive and inhibitor‐resistant NSCLC. Mechanisms contributing to sensitivity and/or resistance to PD‐(L)1 inhibitors in NSCLC include upregulation of other immune checkpoints and/or the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which represent potential targets for new therapies. This review explores novel therapeutic regimens under investigation for enhancing responses to PD‐(L)1 inhibitors and countering resistance, and summarizes the latest clinical evidence in NSCLC. Novel therapeutic approaches are required to enhance antitumor immunity and counter resistance to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) inhibitors in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study explores emerging approaches currently under investigation for enhancing responses to PD‐(L)1 inhibitors and countering resistance and reviews the latest clinical evidence in NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]