Traumatic optic neuropathy is a form of optic neuropathy resulting from trauma.Its pathophysiological mechanisms involve primary and secondary injury phases,leading to progressive retinal ganglion cell loss and axonal...Traumatic optic neuropathy is a form of optic neuropathy resulting from trauma.Its pathophysiological mechanisms involve primary and secondary injury phases,leading to progressive retinal ganglion cell loss and axonal degeneration.Contributing factors such as physical trauma,oxidative stress,neuroinflammation,and glial scar formation exacerbate disease progression and retinal ganglion cell death.Multiple forms of cell death—including apoptosis,pyroptosis,necroptosis,and ferroptosis—are involved at different disease stages.Although current treatments,such as corticosteroid therapy and surgical interventions,have limited efficacy,cell-based therapies have emerged as a promising approach that simultaneously promotes neuroprotection and retinal ganglion cell regeneration.This review summarizes recent advances in cell-based therapies for traumatic optic neuropathy.In the context of cell replacement therapy,retinal ganglion cell-like cells derived from embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells—via chemical induction or direct reprogramming—have demonstrated the ability to integrate into the host retina and survive for weeks to months,potentially improving visual function.Mesenchymal stem cells derived from various sources,including bone marrow,umbilical cord,placenta,and adipose tissue,have been shown to enhance retinal ganglion cell survival,stimulate axonal regeneration,and support partial functional recovery.Additionally,neural stem/progenitor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells offer neuroprotective effects and function as“neuronal relays,”facilitating reconnection between damaged regions of the optic nerve and the visual pathway.Beyond direct cell transplantation,cell-derived products,such as extracellular vesicles and cell-extracted solutions,have demonstrated promising neuroprotective effects in traumatic optic neuropathy.Despite significant progress,several challenges remain,including limited integration of transplanted cells,suboptimal functional vision recovery,the need for precise timing and delivery methods,and an incomplete understanding of the role of the retinal microenvironment and glial cell activation in neuroprotection and neuroregeneration.Furthermore,studies with longer observation periods and deeper mechanistic insights into the therapeutic effects of cell-based therapies remain scarce.Two Phase I clinical trials have confirmed the safety and potential benefits of cell-based therapy for traumatic optic neuropathy,with reported improvements in visual acuity.However,further studies are needed to validate these findings and establish significant therapeutic outcomes.In conclusion,cell-based therapies hold great promise for treating traumatic optic neuropathy,but critical obstacles must be overcome to achieve functional optic nerve regeneration.Emerging bioengineering strategies,such as scaffold-based transplantation,may improve cell survival and axonal guidance.Successful clinical translation will require rigorous preclinical validation,standardized protocols,and the integration of advanced imaging techniques to optimize therapeutic efficacy.展开更多
Recent studies have shown that fibrotic scar formation following cerebral ischemic injury has varying effects depending on the microenvironment.However,little is known about how fibrosis is induced and regulated after...Recent studies have shown that fibrotic scar formation following cerebral ischemic injury has varying effects depending on the microenvironment.However,little is known about how fibrosis is induced and regulated after cerebral ischemic injury.Sonic hedgehog signaling participates in fibrosis in the heart,liver,lung,and kidney.Whether Shh signaling modulates fibrotic scar formation after cerebral ischemic stroke and the underlying mechanisms are unclear.In this study,we found that Sonic Hedgehog expression was upregulated in patients with acute ischemic stroke and in a middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion injury rat model.Both Sonic hedgehog and Mitofusin 2 showed increased expression in the middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model and in vitro fibrosis cell model induced by transforming growth factor-beta 1.Activation of the Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway enhanced the expression of phosphorylated Smad 3 and Mitofusin 2 proteins,promoted the formation of fibrotic scars,protected synapses or promoted synaptogenesis,alleviated neurological deficits following middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion injury,reduced cell apoptosis,facilitated the transformation of meninges fibroblasts into myofibroblasts,and enhanced the proliferation and migration of meninges fibroblasts.The Smad3 phosphorylation inhibitor SIS3 reversed the effects induced by Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway activation.Bioinformatics analysis revealed significant correlations between Sonic hedgehog and Smad3,between Sonic hedgehog and Mitofusin 2,and between Smad3 and Mitofusin 2.These findings suggest that Sonic hedgehog signaling may influence Mitofusin 2 expression by regulating Smad3 phosphorylation,thereby modulating the formation of early fibrotic scars following cerebral ischemic stroke and affecting prognosis.The Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway may serve as a new therapeutic target for stroke treatment.展开更多
Short-chain fatty acids,metabolites produced by the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut microbiota,have garnered significant attention due to their correlation with neurodegenerative diseases,particularly Parkinson’...Short-chain fatty acids,metabolites produced by the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut microbiota,have garnered significant attention due to their correlation with neurodegenerative diseases,particularly Parkinson’s disease.In this review,we summarize the changes in short-chain fatty acid levels and the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria in various samples from patients with Parkinson’s disease,highlighting the critical role of gut homeostasis imbalance in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease.Focusing on the nervous system,we discuss the molecular mechanisms by which short-chain fatty acids influence the homeostasis of both the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system.We identify key processes,including the activation of G protein-coupled receptors and the inhibition of histone deacetylases by short-chain fatty acids.Importantly,structural or functional disruptions in the enteric nervous system mediated by these fatty acids may lead to abnormalα-synuclein expression and gastrointestinal dysmotility,which could serve as an initiating event in Parkinson’s disease.Furthermore,we propose that short-chain fatty acids help establish communication between the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system via the vagal nerve,immune circulation,and endocrine signaling.This communication may shed light on their potential role in the transmission ofα-synuclein from the gut to the brain.Finally,we elucidate novel treatment strategies for Parkinson’s disease that target short-chain fatty acids and examine the challenges associated with translating short-chain fatty acid-based therapies into clinical practice.In conclusion,this review emphasizes the pivotal role of short-chain fatty acids in regulating gut-brain axis integrity and their significance in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease from the perspective of the nervous system.Moreover,it highlights the potential value of short-chain fatty acids in early intervention for Parkinson’s disease.Future research into the molecular mechanisms of short-chain fatty acids and their synergistic interactions with other gut metabolites is likely to advance the clinical translation of innovative short-chain fatty acid-based therapies for Parkinson’s disease.展开更多
Type 2 diabetes mellitus has central complications:Diabetes,a metabolic disorder primarily characterized by hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin secretion,or impaired insulin signaling,has significant central com...Type 2 diabetes mellitus has central complications:Diabetes,a metabolic disorder primarily characterized by hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin secretion,or impaired insulin signaling,has significant central complications.Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),the most prevalent type of diabetes,affects more than 38 million individuals in the United States(approximately 1 in 10)and is defined by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance,which refers to a reduced cellular response to insulin.展开更多
For diverse neurodegenerative disorders,microglial cells are activated.Furthermore,dysfunctional and hyperactivated microglia initiate mitochondrial autophagy,oxidative stress,and pathological protein accumulation,end...For diverse neurodegenerative disorders,microglial cells are activated.Furthermore,dysfunctional and hyperactivated microglia initiate mitochondrial autophagy,oxidative stress,and pathological protein accumulation,ending with neuroinflammation that exacerbates damage to dopaminergic neurons and contributes significantly to the pathology of neurodegenerative disorder.Microglial overactivation is closely associated with the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines,the phagocytosis of injured neurons,and the modulation of neurotoxic environments.This review summarizes the role of microglia neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,multiple sclerosis,multiple system atrophy,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,frontotemporal dementia,progressive supranuclear palsy,cortical degeneration,Lewy body dementia,and Huntington's disease.It also discusses novel forms of cell death such as ferroptosis,cuproptosis,disulfidptosis,and parthanatos(poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose)polymerase 1-dependent cell death),as well as the impact of regulatory factors related to microglial inflammation on microglial activation and neuroinflammation.The aim is to identify potential targets for microglial cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases.展开更多
With the gradual advancement of research methods and technologies,various biological processes have been identified as playing roles in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.However,current descriptions of th...With the gradual advancement of research methods and technologies,various biological processes have been identified as playing roles in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.However,current descriptions of these biological processes do not fully explain the onset,progression,and development of these conditions.Therefore,exploration of the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases remains a valuable area of research.This review summarizes the potential common pathogeneses of Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,Huntington’s disease,frontotemporal lobar dementia,and Lewy body disease.Research findings have indicated that several common biological processes,including aging,genetic factors,progressive neuronal dysfunction,neuronal death and apoptosis,protein misfolding and aggregation,neuroinflammation,mitochondrial dysfunction,axonal transport defects,and gut microbiota dysbiosis,are involved in the pathogenesis of these six neurodegenerative diseases.Based on current information derived from diverse areas of research,these biological processes may form complex pathogenic networks that lead to distinctive types of neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases.Furthermore,promoting the regeneration of damaged neurons may be achievable through the repair of affected neural cells if the underlying pathogenesis can be prevented or reversed.Hence,these potential common biological processes may represent only very small,limited elements within numerous intricate pathogenic networks associated with neurodegenerative diseases.In clinical treatment,interfering with any single biological process has proven insufficient to completely halt the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.Therefore,future research on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases should focus on uncovering the complex pathogenic networks,rather than isolating individual biological processes.Based on this,therapies that aim to block or reverse various targets involved in the potential pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases may be promising directions,as current treatment methods that focus on halting a single pathogenic factor have not achieved satisfactory efficacy.展开更多
The interleukin-17 family is the key group of cytokines and displays a broad spectrum of biological functions,including regulating the inflammatory cascade in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases,such as multi...The interleukin-17 family is the key group of cytokines and displays a broad spectrum of biological functions,including regulating the inflammatory cascade in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases,such as multiple sclerosis,neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder,myasthenia gravis,Guillain–Barre syndrome,acute disseminated encephalomyelitis,diabetes,inflammatory skin diseases,joint inflammation,and cancer.Although the function of the interleukin-17 family has attracted increasing research attention over many years,the expression,function,and regulation mechanisms of different interleukin-17 members are complicated and still only partially understood.Currently,the interleukin-17A pathway is considered a critical therapeutic target for numerous immune and chronic inflammatory diseases,with several monoclonal antibodies against interleukin-17A having been successfully used in clinical practice.Whether other interleukin-17 members have the potential to be targeted in other diseases is still debated.This review first summarizes the recent advancements in understanding the physicochemical properties,physiological functions,cellular origins,and downstream signaling pathways of different members and corresponding receptors of the interleukin-17 family.Subsequently,the function of interleukin-17 in various immune diseases is discussed,and the important role of interleukin-17 in the pathological process of immune diseases is demonstrated from multiple perspectives.Then,the current status of targeted interleukin-17 therapy is summarized,and the effectiveness and safety of targeted interleukin-17 therapy are analyzed.Finally,the clinical application prospects of targeting the interleukin-17 pathway are discussed.展开更多
Dear Editor,Idiopathic orbital inflammation(IOI),also known as orbital inflammatory pseudotumor,is a relatively common orbital disorder[1].Its pathogenesis remains unclear,often regarded as a nonspecific immune-mediat...Dear Editor,Idiopathic orbital inflammation(IOI),also known as orbital inflammatory pseudotumor,is a relatively common orbital disorder[1].Its pathogenesis remains unclear,often regarded as a nonspecific immune-mediated response[2].IOI presents with symptoms such as pain,photophobia,proptosis,eyelid swelling,edema,conjunctival congestion,and diplopia,with possible vision loss occurring in some cases.Based on the soft tissue structures involved,IOI can be classified into subtypes such as myositis,optic neuritis,dacryoadenitis,diffuse orbital inflammation,and orbital inflammatory masses[2].展开更多
After spinal cord injury,impairment of the sensorimotor circuit can lead to dysfunction in the motor,sensory,proprioceptive,and autonomic nervous systems.Functional recovery is often hindered by constraints on the tim...After spinal cord injury,impairment of the sensorimotor circuit can lead to dysfunction in the motor,sensory,proprioceptive,and autonomic nervous systems.Functional recovery is often hindered by constraints on the timing of interventions,combined with the limitations of current methods.To address these challenges,various techniques have been developed to aid in the repair and reconstruction of neural circuits at different stages of injury.Notably,neuromodulation has garnered considerable attention for its potential to enhance nerve regeneration,provide neuroprotection,restore neurons,and regulate the neural reorganization of circuits within the cerebral cortex and corticospinal tract.To improve the effectiveness of these interventions,the implementation of multitarget early interventional neuromodulation strategies,such as electrical and magnetic stimulation,is recommended to enhance functional recovery across different phases of nerve injury.This review concisely outlines the challenges encountered following spinal cord injury,synthesizes existing neurostimulation techniques while emphasizing neuroprotection,repair,and regeneration of impaired connections,and advocates for multi-targeted,task-oriented,and timely interventions.展开更多
BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory bowel disease.Cumulative evidence indicates that excess hydrogen peroxide,a potent neutrophilic chemotactic agent,produced by colonic epithel...BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory bowel disease.Cumulative evidence indicates that excess hydrogen peroxide,a potent neutrophilic chemotactic agent,produced by colonic epithelial cells has a causal role leading to infiltration of neutrophils into the colonic mucosa and subsequent development of UC.This evidence-based mechanism identifies hydrogen peroxide as a therapeutic target for reducing agents in the treatment of UC.CASE SUMMARY Presented is a 41-year-old female with a 26-year history of refractory UC.Having developed steroid dependence and never achieving complete remission on treatment by conventional and advanced therapies,she began treatment with oral R-dihydrolipoic acid(RDLA),a lipid-soluble reducing agent with intracellular site of action.Within a week,rectal bleeding ceased.She was asymptomatic for three years until a highly stressful experience,when she noticed blood in her stool.RDLA was discontinued,and she began treatment with oral sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate(STS),a reducing agent with extracellular site of action.After a week,rectal bleeding ceased,and she resumed oral RDLA and discontinued STS.To date,she remains asymptomatic with normal stool calprotectin while on RDLA.CONCLUSION STS and RDLA are reducing agents that serve as highly effective and safe therapy for the induction and maintenance of remission in UC,even in patients refractory or poorly controlled by conventional and advanced therapies.Should preliminary findings be validated by subsequent clinical trials,the use of reducing agents could potentially prevent thousands of colectomies and represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of UC.展开更多
Neural stem cells(NSCs)have the potential for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation,and their transplantation has achieved good efficacy in a variety of diseases.However,only 1%-10%of transplanted NSCs sur...Neural stem cells(NSCs)have the potential for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation,and their transplantation has achieved good efficacy in a variety of diseases.However,only 1%-10%of transplanted NSCs survive in the ischemic and hypoxic microenvironment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.^(Sox2)is an important factor for NSCs to maintain proliferation.Therefore,^(Sox2)-overexpressing NSCs(NSC^(Sox2))may be more successful in improving neurological dysfunction after posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.In this study,human NSC^(Sox2)was transplanted into a posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus mouse model,and retinoic acid was administered to further promote NSC differentiation.The results showed that NSC^(Sox2)attenuated the ventricular enlargement caused by posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and improved neurological function.NSC^(Sox2)also promoted nerve regeneration,inhibited neuroinflammation and promoted M2 polarization(anti-inflammatory phenotype),thereby reducing cerebrospinal fluid secretion in choroid plexus.These findings suggest that NSC^(Sox2)rescued ventricular enlargement and neurological dysfunction induced by posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus through neural regeneration and modulation of inflammation.展开更多
Early life stress correlates with a higher prevalence of neurological disorders,including autism,attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,schizophrenia,depression,and Parkinson's disease.These conditions,primarily...Early life stress correlates with a higher prevalence of neurological disorders,including autism,attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,schizophrenia,depression,and Parkinson's disease.These conditions,primarily involving abnormal development and damage of the dopaminergic system,pose significant public health challenges.Microglia,as the primary immune cells in the brain,are crucial in regulating neuronal circuit development and survival.From the embryonic stage to adulthood,microglia exhibit stage-specific gene expression profiles,transcriptome characteristics,and functional phenotypes,enhancing the susceptibility to early life stress.However,the role of microglia in mediating dopaminergic system disorders under early life stress conditions remains poorly understood.This review presents an up-to-date overview of preclinical studies elucidating the impact of early life stress on microglia,leading to dopaminergic system disorders,along with the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions.Impaired microglial activity damages dopaminergic neurons by diminishing neurotrophic support(e.g.,insulin-like growth factor-1)and hinders dopaminergic axon growth through defective phagocytosis and synaptic pruning.Furthermore,blunted microglial immunoreactivity suppresses striatal dopaminergic circuit development and reduces neuronal transmission.Furthermore,inflammation and oxidative stress induced by activated microglia can directly damage dopaminergic neurons,inhibiting dopamine synthesis,reuptake,and receptor activity.Enhanced microglial phagocytosis inhibits dopamine axon extension.These long-lasting effects of microglial perturbations may be driven by early life stress–induced epigenetic reprogramming of microglia.Indirectly,early life stress may influence microglial function through various pathways,such as astrocytic activation,the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis,the gut–brain axis,and maternal immune signaling.Finally,various therapeutic strategies and molecular mechanisms for targeting microglia to restore the dopaminergic system were summarized and discussed.These strategies include classical antidepressants and antipsychotics,antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents,and herbal-derived medicine.Further investigations combining pharmacological interventions and genetic strategies are essential to elucidate the causal role of microglial phenotypic and functional perturbations in the dopaminergic system disrupted by early life stress.展开更多
Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apopt...Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.展开更多
Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglio...Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglion cells and their axons,leading to axonal transport dysfuntion,subsequently causing secondary damage to anterior or posterior ends of the visual system.Accordingly,recent evidence indicates that glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that causes damage throughout the visual pathway.However,the effects of glaucoma on synaptic plasticity in the primary visual cortex remain unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of unilateral chronic ocular hypertension by injecting magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber of one eye.We found that,after 4 weeks of chronic ocular hypertension,the neuronal somas were smaller in the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body regions of the brain contralateral to the affected eye.This was accompanied by glial cell activation and increased expression of inflammatory factors.After 8 weeks of ocular hypertension,we observed a reduction in the number of excitatory and inhibitory synapses,dendritic spines,and activation of glial cells in the primary visual cortex contralateral to the affected eye.These findings suggest that glaucoma not only directly damages the retina but also induces alterations in synapses and dendritic spines in the primary visual cortex,providing new insights into the pathogenesis of glaucoma.展开更多
Stroke,particularly ischemic stroke,is the leading cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide.It occurs due to the occlusion of the cerebral arteries,which significantly reduces the delivery of blood,oxygen...Stroke,particularly ischemic stroke,is the leading cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide.It occurs due to the occlusion of the cerebral arteries,which significantly reduces the delivery of blood,oxygen,and essential nutrients to brain tissues.This deprivation triggers a cascade of cellular events that ultimately leads to neuronal death.Recent studies have clarified the multifactorial pathogenesis of ischemic stroke,highlighting the roles of energy failure,excitotoxicity,oxidative stress,neuroinflammation,and apoptosis.This review aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into the fundamental mechanisms driving neuronal death triggered by ischemia and to examine the progress of neuroprotective therapeutic approaches designed to mitigate neuronal loss and promote neurological recovery after a stroke.Additionally,we explored widely accepted findings regarding the potential pathways implicated in neuronal death during ischemic stroke,including the interplay of apoptosis,autophagy,pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and necrosis,which collectively influence neuronal fate.We also discussed advancements in neuroprotective therapeutics,encompassing a range of interventions from pharmacological modulation to stem cell-based therapies,aimed at reducing neuronal injury and enhancing functional recovery following ischemic stroke.Despite these advancements,challenges remain in translating mechanistic insights into effective clinical therapies.Although neuroprotective strategies have shown promise in preclinical models,their efficacy in human trials has been inconsistent,often due to the complex pathology of ischemic stroke and the timing of interventions.In conclusion,this review synthesizes mechanistic insights into the intricate interplay of molecular and cellular pathways driving neuronal death post-ischemia.It sheds light on cutting-edge advancements in potential neuroprotective therapeutics,underscores the promise of regenerative medicine,and offers a forward-looking perspective on potential clinical breakthroughs.The ongoing evolution of precision-targeted interventions is expected to significantly enhance preventative strategies and improve clinical outcomes.展开更多
BACKGROUNDCancer stem cells(CSCs)drive recurrence and therapeutic resistance in triplenegativebreast cancer(TNBC),a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype.Intratumoralhypoxia,a common feature of solid tumors,promotes...BACKGROUNDCancer stem cells(CSCs)drive recurrence and therapeutic resistance in triplenegativebreast cancer(TNBC),a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype.Intratumoralhypoxia,a common feature of solid tumors,promotes CSCs enrichment,yet the mechanisms sustaining CSCs stemness remain poorly understood.Hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species can oxidatively activate ataxia telangiectasiamutated(ATM)kinase(oxidized ATM,p-ATM)independently of DNA breaks.AIMTo investigate the role of hypoxia-induced oxidized ATM in sustaining TNBCCSCstemness through c-Myc-mediated regulation of one-carbon metabolism.METHODSHs578T and MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells were cultured under normoxia or hypoxia.CSC stemness was assessed by mammosphere assays and flow cytometry.ATMactivity was assessed by pharmacological inhibition(Ku60019)and short hairpinRNA knockdown.c-Myc binding to serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2(SHMT2)and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2(MTHFD2)promoters was analyzedby dual-luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation.NADPH/NADP+ratios were quantified,and metabolic reprogramming was profiledby liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics.RESULTSHypoxia significantly increased mammosphere formation in both Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 cells,as reflected byhigher numbers of mammospheres(Hs578T:214±18;MDA-MB-231:198±16;both P<0.01)and larger meandiameters(P<0.01).Hypoxia also elevated CD44+/CD24-cell proportions and stemness gene expression(P<0.01).Oxidized ATM was activated under hypoxia withoutγH2AX induction,confirming DNA damage independence.ATM inhibition reduced mammosphere growth and suppressed c-Myc,SHMT2,and MTHFD2.Luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed direct c-Myc binding to SHMT2 and MTHFD2promoters,while mutation of the binding sites abolished promoter activity.NADPH/NADP+ratios were significantlyelevated under hypoxia but reduced following ATM inhibition(P<0.05).Metabolomics revealed enrichmentof serine/glycine one-carbon pathways.CONCLUSIONHypoxia-induced oxidized ATM maintains TNBC-CSC stemness by promoting c-Myc-dependent upregulation ofMTHFD2 and SHMT2,linking hypoxia,redox signaling,and one-carbon metabolism.These findings suggest apotential therapeutic axis that could be exploited for TNBC treatment.展开更多
Background:A significant challenge regarding notable historical figures is determining the accuracy of the words and actions attributed to them with the limited available evidence,when their biographers have presented...Background:A significant challenge regarding notable historical figures is determining the accuracy of the words and actions attributed to them with the limited available evidence,when their biographers have presented a biased life assessment.Lauded as a founding suffragette,the first female school principal,and the first white female practicing physician in Canada,Dr.Emily Stowe did not help historians.She destroyed her records,leaving her life story to be told by her daughter,who portrayed her as a heroine–a view that has persisted since the start of the 20th century.To improve the accuracy of assessing the life of Emily Stowe,as much information as possible about Stowe must be collected and interpreted.Methods:Presented is a narrative research method for analyzing historical figures that examines 22 life-changing events in the life of Stowe by answering six types of questions about each event:when,where,who,what,how,and why.Results:This narrative research,representing a psychoanalytic research process,finds that much of the repeated story of Stowe is either exaggerated or likely false.Conclusion:Following the example of Emily Stowe,this unique method is applicable for improving the historical accuracy in assessing the lives of other notable figures.It represents a method extendable to those currently alive,outside the public eye,searching to develop their own narrative.展开更多
Amyloid-β(Aβ)and tau,the two hallmark proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease(AD),exhibit distinct toxic effects but also interact synergistically within the disease pathology.The prevailing theory in AD patho...Amyloid-β(Aβ)and tau,the two hallmark proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease(AD),exhibit distinct toxic effects but also interact synergistically within the disease pathology.The prevailing theory in AD pathology-the amyloid cascade hypothesis-highlights the pivotal role of increased processing of the amyloid precursor protein(APP).Initially cleaved by the majorβ-secretase(β-amyloid cleaving enzyme-1,BACE1)in the brain,then undergoes further cleavage by theγ-secretase complex,resulting in the production of Aβ_(40-42)and a set of intracellular C-terminal peptides known as Aβand APP intracellular domain(β-AICDs)and soluble amyloid precursor proteinβ(sAPPβ)(Orobets and Karamyshev,2023).展开更多
Non-right-handedness(NRH),encompassing left-handedness and mixed-handedness,has been frequently reported at elevated rates in individuals with various psychiatric disorders.The consistency of this association across m...Non-right-handedness(NRH),encompassing left-handedness and mixed-handedness,has been frequently reported at elevated rates in individuals with various psychiatric disorders.The consistency of this association across multiple conditions and its underlying mechanisms is the subject of ongoing investigation.This review synthesized current evidence to explore the association between NRH and psychiatric disorders from epidemiological,genetic,and neurobiological perspectives.We systematically identified and appraised relevant literature investigating NRH prevalence in psychiatric populations and potential explanatory mechanisms.Epidemiological evidence indicates an elevated prevalence of NRH,particularly within neurodevelopmental disorders.Potential contributing mechanisms identified include early developmental disruptions,shared genetic predispositions,and atypical patterns of brain lateralization.While the association between NRH and psychiatric conditions,especially neurodevelopmental disorders,is evident,the causal pathways and relative contributions of identified mechanisms are complex and debated.This review highlighted key areas requiring further research to elucidate these relationships.展开更多
Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.It causes local damage to photoreceptors,retinal pigment epithelium,and choroidal vessels,which leads to permanent central ...Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.It causes local damage to photoreceptors,retinal pigment epithelium,and choroidal vessels,which leads to permanent central vision loss of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis is complex,and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.Therefore,there are no effective treatment options.A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis and its related mechanisms is important to elucidate its complications and explore potential treatments.The current article reviews several aspects of subretinal fibrosis,including the current understanding on the relationship between neovascular age-related macular degeneration and subretinal fibrosis;multimodal imaging techniques for subretinal fibrosis;animal models for studying subretinal fibrosis;cellular and non-cellular constituents of subretinal fibrosis;pathophysiological mechanisms involved in subretinal fibrosis,such as aging,infiltration of macrophages,different sources of mesenchymal transition to myofibroblast,and activation of complement system and immune cells;and several key molecules and signaling pathways participating in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis,such as vascular endothelial growth factor,connective tissue growth factor,fibroblast growth factor 2,platelet-derived growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β,transforming growth factor-βsignaling pathway,Wnt signaling pathway,and the axis of heat shock protein 70-Toll-like receptors 2/4-interleukin-10.This review will improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis,allow the discovery of molecular targets,and explore potential treatments for the management of subretinal fibrosis.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2022YFA1105502(to PG)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82271123(to PG),32200618(to ZT)。
文摘Traumatic optic neuropathy is a form of optic neuropathy resulting from trauma.Its pathophysiological mechanisms involve primary and secondary injury phases,leading to progressive retinal ganglion cell loss and axonal degeneration.Contributing factors such as physical trauma,oxidative stress,neuroinflammation,and glial scar formation exacerbate disease progression and retinal ganglion cell death.Multiple forms of cell death—including apoptosis,pyroptosis,necroptosis,and ferroptosis—are involved at different disease stages.Although current treatments,such as corticosteroid therapy and surgical interventions,have limited efficacy,cell-based therapies have emerged as a promising approach that simultaneously promotes neuroprotection and retinal ganglion cell regeneration.This review summarizes recent advances in cell-based therapies for traumatic optic neuropathy.In the context of cell replacement therapy,retinal ganglion cell-like cells derived from embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells—via chemical induction or direct reprogramming—have demonstrated the ability to integrate into the host retina and survive for weeks to months,potentially improving visual function.Mesenchymal stem cells derived from various sources,including bone marrow,umbilical cord,placenta,and adipose tissue,have been shown to enhance retinal ganglion cell survival,stimulate axonal regeneration,and support partial functional recovery.Additionally,neural stem/progenitor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells offer neuroprotective effects and function as“neuronal relays,”facilitating reconnection between damaged regions of the optic nerve and the visual pathway.Beyond direct cell transplantation,cell-derived products,such as extracellular vesicles and cell-extracted solutions,have demonstrated promising neuroprotective effects in traumatic optic neuropathy.Despite significant progress,several challenges remain,including limited integration of transplanted cells,suboptimal functional vision recovery,the need for precise timing and delivery methods,and an incomplete understanding of the role of the retinal microenvironment and glial cell activation in neuroprotection and neuroregeneration.Furthermore,studies with longer observation periods and deeper mechanistic insights into the therapeutic effects of cell-based therapies remain scarce.Two Phase I clinical trials have confirmed the safety and potential benefits of cell-based therapy for traumatic optic neuropathy,with reported improvements in visual acuity.However,further studies are needed to validate these findings and establish significant therapeutic outcomes.In conclusion,cell-based therapies hold great promise for treating traumatic optic neuropathy,but critical obstacles must be overcome to achieve functional optic nerve regeneration.Emerging bioengineering strategies,such as scaffold-based transplantation,may improve cell survival and axonal guidance.Successful clinical translation will require rigorous preclinical validation,standardized protocols,and the integration of advanced imaging techniques to optimize therapeutic efficacy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82171456(to QY)and 81971229(to QY)the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,Nos.CSTC2021JCYJ-MSXMX0263(to QY)and CSTB2023NSCQ-MSX1015(to XL)Doctoral Innovation Project of The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University,Nos.CYYY-BSYJSCXXM-202318(to JW)and CYYY-BSYJSCXXM-202327(to HT).
文摘Recent studies have shown that fibrotic scar formation following cerebral ischemic injury has varying effects depending on the microenvironment.However,little is known about how fibrosis is induced and regulated after cerebral ischemic injury.Sonic hedgehog signaling participates in fibrosis in the heart,liver,lung,and kidney.Whether Shh signaling modulates fibrotic scar formation after cerebral ischemic stroke and the underlying mechanisms are unclear.In this study,we found that Sonic Hedgehog expression was upregulated in patients with acute ischemic stroke and in a middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion injury rat model.Both Sonic hedgehog and Mitofusin 2 showed increased expression in the middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model and in vitro fibrosis cell model induced by transforming growth factor-beta 1.Activation of the Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway enhanced the expression of phosphorylated Smad 3 and Mitofusin 2 proteins,promoted the formation of fibrotic scars,protected synapses or promoted synaptogenesis,alleviated neurological deficits following middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion injury,reduced cell apoptosis,facilitated the transformation of meninges fibroblasts into myofibroblasts,and enhanced the proliferation and migration of meninges fibroblasts.The Smad3 phosphorylation inhibitor SIS3 reversed the effects induced by Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway activation.Bioinformatics analysis revealed significant correlations between Sonic hedgehog and Smad3,between Sonic hedgehog and Mitofusin 2,and between Smad3 and Mitofusin 2.These findings suggest that Sonic hedgehog signaling may influence Mitofusin 2 expression by regulating Smad3 phosphorylation,thereby modulating the formation of early fibrotic scars following cerebral ischemic stroke and affecting prognosis.The Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway may serve as a new therapeutic target for stroke treatment.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,No.2021YFC2501200(to PC).
文摘Short-chain fatty acids,metabolites produced by the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut microbiota,have garnered significant attention due to their correlation with neurodegenerative diseases,particularly Parkinson’s disease.In this review,we summarize the changes in short-chain fatty acid levels and the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria in various samples from patients with Parkinson’s disease,highlighting the critical role of gut homeostasis imbalance in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease.Focusing on the nervous system,we discuss the molecular mechanisms by which short-chain fatty acids influence the homeostasis of both the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system.We identify key processes,including the activation of G protein-coupled receptors and the inhibition of histone deacetylases by short-chain fatty acids.Importantly,structural or functional disruptions in the enteric nervous system mediated by these fatty acids may lead to abnormalα-synuclein expression and gastrointestinal dysmotility,which could serve as an initiating event in Parkinson’s disease.Furthermore,we propose that short-chain fatty acids help establish communication between the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system via the vagal nerve,immune circulation,and endocrine signaling.This communication may shed light on their potential role in the transmission ofα-synuclein from the gut to the brain.Finally,we elucidate novel treatment strategies for Parkinson’s disease that target short-chain fatty acids and examine the challenges associated with translating short-chain fatty acid-based therapies into clinical practice.In conclusion,this review emphasizes the pivotal role of short-chain fatty acids in regulating gut-brain axis integrity and their significance in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease from the perspective of the nervous system.Moreover,it highlights the potential value of short-chain fatty acids in early intervention for Parkinson’s disease.Future research into the molecular mechanisms of short-chain fatty acids and their synergistic interactions with other gut metabolites is likely to advance the clinical translation of innovative short-chain fatty acid-based therapies for Parkinson’s disease.
基金supported by grants from NIH T32(DK007260,to WC)the Steno North American Fellowship awarded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation(NNF23OC0087108,to WC)+6 种基金STI2030-Major Projects(2021ZD0202700,to HY)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32241004,to HY)the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province of China(LR24C090001,to HY)Key R&D Program of Zhejiang Province(2024SSYS0017,to HY)CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2019-12M-5-057,to HY)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(226-2022-00193,to HY)the Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(2023-PT310-01,to HY)。
文摘Type 2 diabetes mellitus has central complications:Diabetes,a metabolic disorder primarily characterized by hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin secretion,or impaired insulin signaling,has significant central complications.Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),the most prevalent type of diabetes,affects more than 38 million individuals in the United States(approximately 1 in 10)and is defined by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance,which refers to a reduced cellular response to insulin.
基金funded by the Science and Technology Research of Henan Province,No.242103810041(to JY)。
文摘For diverse neurodegenerative disorders,microglial cells are activated.Furthermore,dysfunctional and hyperactivated microglia initiate mitochondrial autophagy,oxidative stress,and pathological protein accumulation,ending with neuroinflammation that exacerbates damage to dopaminergic neurons and contributes significantly to the pathology of neurodegenerative disorder.Microglial overactivation is closely associated with the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines,the phagocytosis of injured neurons,and the modulation of neurotoxic environments.This review summarizes the role of microglia neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,multiple sclerosis,multiple system atrophy,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,frontotemporal dementia,progressive supranuclear palsy,cortical degeneration,Lewy body dementia,and Huntington's disease.It also discusses novel forms of cell death such as ferroptosis,cuproptosis,disulfidptosis,and parthanatos(poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose)polymerase 1-dependent cell death),as well as the impact of regulatory factors related to microglial inflammation on microglial activation and neuroinflammation.The aim is to identify potential targets for microglial cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82160255(to RX)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province,No.20212BAB216026(to HL)+2 种基金Science and Technology Plan Project of Health Commission of Jiangxi Province,No.202110016(to HL)Science and Technology Plan Project of Jiangxi Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.2022B975(to HL)a grant from Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Neurology,No.2024SSY06081(to RX).
文摘With the gradual advancement of research methods and technologies,various biological processes have been identified as playing roles in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.However,current descriptions of these biological processes do not fully explain the onset,progression,and development of these conditions.Therefore,exploration of the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases remains a valuable area of research.This review summarizes the potential common pathogeneses of Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,Huntington’s disease,frontotemporal lobar dementia,and Lewy body disease.Research findings have indicated that several common biological processes,including aging,genetic factors,progressive neuronal dysfunction,neuronal death and apoptosis,protein misfolding and aggregation,neuroinflammation,mitochondrial dysfunction,axonal transport defects,and gut microbiota dysbiosis,are involved in the pathogenesis of these six neurodegenerative diseases.Based on current information derived from diverse areas of research,these biological processes may form complex pathogenic networks that lead to distinctive types of neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases.Furthermore,promoting the regeneration of damaged neurons may be achievable through the repair of affected neural cells if the underlying pathogenesis can be prevented or reversed.Hence,these potential common biological processes may represent only very small,limited elements within numerous intricate pathogenic networks associated with neurodegenerative diseases.In clinical treatment,interfering with any single biological process has proven insufficient to completely halt the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.Therefore,future research on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases should focus on uncovering the complex pathogenic networks,rather than isolating individual biological processes.Based on this,therapies that aim to block or reverse various targets involved in the potential pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases may be promising directions,as current treatment methods that focus on halting a single pathogenic factor have not achieved satisfactory efficacy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundational of China(Key Program),No.U24A20692(to CJZ)the National Natural Science Foundational of China,Nos.82101414(to MLJ),82371355(to CJZ)+4 种基金the National Natural Science Foundational of China for Excellent Young Scholars,No.82022019(to CJZ)Sichuan Special Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars,No.24NSFJQ0052(to CJZ)The Innovation and Entrepreneurial Team of Sichuan Tianfu Emei Program,No.CZ2024018(to CJZ)Funding for Distinguished Young Scholars of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital,No.30420230005(to CJZ)Funding for Distinguished Young Scholars of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China,No.A1098531023601381(to CJZ)。
文摘The interleukin-17 family is the key group of cytokines and displays a broad spectrum of biological functions,including regulating the inflammatory cascade in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases,such as multiple sclerosis,neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder,myasthenia gravis,Guillain–Barre syndrome,acute disseminated encephalomyelitis,diabetes,inflammatory skin diseases,joint inflammation,and cancer.Although the function of the interleukin-17 family has attracted increasing research attention over many years,the expression,function,and regulation mechanisms of different interleukin-17 members are complicated and still only partially understood.Currently,the interleukin-17A pathway is considered a critical therapeutic target for numerous immune and chronic inflammatory diseases,with several monoclonal antibodies against interleukin-17A having been successfully used in clinical practice.Whether other interleukin-17 members have the potential to be targeted in other diseases is still debated.This review first summarizes the recent advancements in understanding the physicochemical properties,physiological functions,cellular origins,and downstream signaling pathways of different members and corresponding receptors of the interleukin-17 family.Subsequently,the function of interleukin-17 in various immune diseases is discussed,and the important role of interleukin-17 in the pathological process of immune diseases is demonstrated from multiple perspectives.Then,the current status of targeted interleukin-17 therapy is summarized,and the effectiveness and safety of targeted interleukin-17 therapy are analyzed.Finally,the clinical application prospects of targeting the interleukin-17 pathway are discussed.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82388101,No.81930024)the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai(No.22YS1400400,No.20DZ2270800).
文摘Dear Editor,Idiopathic orbital inflammation(IOI),also known as orbital inflammatory pseudotumor,is a relatively common orbital disorder[1].Its pathogenesis remains unclear,often regarded as a nonspecific immune-mediated response[2].IOI presents with symptoms such as pain,photophobia,proptosis,eyelid swelling,edema,conjunctival congestion,and diplopia,with possible vision loss occurring in some cases.Based on the soft tissue structures involved,IOI can be classified into subtypes such as myositis,optic neuritis,dacryoadenitis,diffuse orbital inflammation,and orbital inflammatory masses[2].
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2023YFC3603705(to DX)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82302866(to YZ).
文摘After spinal cord injury,impairment of the sensorimotor circuit can lead to dysfunction in the motor,sensory,proprioceptive,and autonomic nervous systems.Functional recovery is often hindered by constraints on the timing of interventions,combined with the limitations of current methods.To address these challenges,various techniques have been developed to aid in the repair and reconstruction of neural circuits at different stages of injury.Notably,neuromodulation has garnered considerable attention for its potential to enhance nerve regeneration,provide neuroprotection,restore neurons,and regulate the neural reorganization of circuits within the cerebral cortex and corticospinal tract.To improve the effectiveness of these interventions,the implementation of multitarget early interventional neuromodulation strategies,such as electrical and magnetic stimulation,is recommended to enhance functional recovery across different phases of nerve injury.This review concisely outlines the challenges encountered following spinal cord injury,synthesizes existing neurostimulation techniques while emphasizing neuroprotection,repair,and regeneration of impaired connections,and advocates for multi-targeted,task-oriented,and timely interventions.
文摘BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory bowel disease.Cumulative evidence indicates that excess hydrogen peroxide,a potent neutrophilic chemotactic agent,produced by colonic epithelial cells has a causal role leading to infiltration of neutrophils into the colonic mucosa and subsequent development of UC.This evidence-based mechanism identifies hydrogen peroxide as a therapeutic target for reducing agents in the treatment of UC.CASE SUMMARY Presented is a 41-year-old female with a 26-year history of refractory UC.Having developed steroid dependence and never achieving complete remission on treatment by conventional and advanced therapies,she began treatment with oral R-dihydrolipoic acid(RDLA),a lipid-soluble reducing agent with intracellular site of action.Within a week,rectal bleeding ceased.She was asymptomatic for three years until a highly stressful experience,when she noticed blood in her stool.RDLA was discontinued,and she began treatment with oral sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate(STS),a reducing agent with extracellular site of action.After a week,rectal bleeding ceased,and she resumed oral RDLA and discontinued STS.To date,she remains asymptomatic with normal stool calprotectin while on RDLA.CONCLUSION STS and RDLA are reducing agents that serve as highly effective and safe therapy for the induction and maintenance of remission in UC,even in patients refractory or poorly controlled by conventional and advanced therapies.Should preliminary findings be validated by subsequent clinical trials,the use of reducing agents could potentially prevent thousands of colectomies and represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of UC.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82473334(to LZ),82401629(to XL)the Major Scientific and Technological Achievements Transformation Project of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,No.2022CJE09013(to LZ)+4 种基金Mianyang Science and Technology Bureau(Mianyang Science and Technology Program),No.2023ZYDF097(to LZ)NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation(Mianyang Central Hospital),No.2023HYX001(to LZ)Spinal Cord Diseases Clinical Medical Center of Yunnan Province,No.2024JSKFKT-16(to BG)the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province,No.2024NSFSC1646(to XL)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,Nos.GZC20231811(to XL),2024T170601(to XL)and 2024M76228(to XL).
文摘Neural stem cells(NSCs)have the potential for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation,and their transplantation has achieved good efficacy in a variety of diseases.However,only 1%-10%of transplanted NSCs survive in the ischemic and hypoxic microenvironment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.^(Sox2)is an important factor for NSCs to maintain proliferation.Therefore,^(Sox2)-overexpressing NSCs(NSC^(Sox2))may be more successful in improving neurological dysfunction after posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.In this study,human NSC^(Sox2)was transplanted into a posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus mouse model,and retinoic acid was administered to further promote NSC differentiation.The results showed that NSC^(Sox2)attenuated the ventricular enlargement caused by posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and improved neurological function.NSC^(Sox2)also promoted nerve regeneration,inhibited neuroinflammation and promoted M2 polarization(anti-inflammatory phenotype),thereby reducing cerebrospinal fluid secretion in choroid plexus.These findings suggest that NSC^(Sox2)rescued ventricular enlargement and neurological dysfunction induced by posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus through neural regeneration and modulation of inflammation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82304990(to NY),81973748(to JC),82174278(to JC)the National Key R&D Program of China,No.2023YFE0209500(to JC)+4 种基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2023M732380(to NY)Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.202102010014(to JC)Huang Zhendong Research Fund for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Jinan University,No.201911(to JC)National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program for Undergraduates in China,No.202310559128(to NY and QM)Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program for Undergraduates at Jinan University,Nos.CX24380,CX24381(both to NY and QM)。
文摘Early life stress correlates with a higher prevalence of neurological disorders,including autism,attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,schizophrenia,depression,and Parkinson's disease.These conditions,primarily involving abnormal development and damage of the dopaminergic system,pose significant public health challenges.Microglia,as the primary immune cells in the brain,are crucial in regulating neuronal circuit development and survival.From the embryonic stage to adulthood,microglia exhibit stage-specific gene expression profiles,transcriptome characteristics,and functional phenotypes,enhancing the susceptibility to early life stress.However,the role of microglia in mediating dopaminergic system disorders under early life stress conditions remains poorly understood.This review presents an up-to-date overview of preclinical studies elucidating the impact of early life stress on microglia,leading to dopaminergic system disorders,along with the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions.Impaired microglial activity damages dopaminergic neurons by diminishing neurotrophic support(e.g.,insulin-like growth factor-1)and hinders dopaminergic axon growth through defective phagocytosis and synaptic pruning.Furthermore,blunted microglial immunoreactivity suppresses striatal dopaminergic circuit development and reduces neuronal transmission.Furthermore,inflammation and oxidative stress induced by activated microglia can directly damage dopaminergic neurons,inhibiting dopamine synthesis,reuptake,and receptor activity.Enhanced microglial phagocytosis inhibits dopamine axon extension.These long-lasting effects of microglial perturbations may be driven by early life stress–induced epigenetic reprogramming of microglia.Indirectly,early life stress may influence microglial function through various pathways,such as astrocytic activation,the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis,the gut–brain axis,and maternal immune signaling.Finally,various therapeutic strategies and molecular mechanisms for targeting microglia to restore the dopaminergic system were summarized and discussed.These strategies include classical antidepressants and antipsychotics,antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents,and herbal-derived medicine.Further investigations combining pharmacological interventions and genetic strategies are essential to elucidate the causal role of microglial phenotypic and functional perturbations in the dopaminergic system disrupted by early life stress.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32271043(to ZW)and 82171047(to YM)the both Science and Technology Major Project of Shanghai,No.2018SHZDZX01 and ZJLabShanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology(to ZW)。
文摘Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82271115(to MY).
文摘Synaptic plasticity is essential for maintaining neuronal function in the central nervous system and serves as a critical indicator of the effects of neurodegenerative disease.Glaucoma directly impairs retinal ganglion cells and their axons,leading to axonal transport dysfuntion,subsequently causing secondary damage to anterior or posterior ends of the visual system.Accordingly,recent evidence indicates that glaucoma is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that causes damage throughout the visual pathway.However,the effects of glaucoma on synaptic plasticity in the primary visual cortex remain unclear.In this study,we established a mouse model of unilateral chronic ocular hypertension by injecting magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber of one eye.We found that,after 4 weeks of chronic ocular hypertension,the neuronal somas were smaller in the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body regions of the brain contralateral to the affected eye.This was accompanied by glial cell activation and increased expression of inflammatory factors.After 8 weeks of ocular hypertension,we observed a reduction in the number of excitatory and inhibitory synapses,dendritic spines,and activation of glial cells in the primary visual cortex contralateral to the affected eye.These findings suggest that glaucoma not only directly damages the retina but also induces alterations in synapses and dendritic spines in the primary visual cortex,providing new insights into the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82171387 and 31830111(both to SL).
文摘Stroke,particularly ischemic stroke,is the leading cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide.It occurs due to the occlusion of the cerebral arteries,which significantly reduces the delivery of blood,oxygen,and essential nutrients to brain tissues.This deprivation triggers a cascade of cellular events that ultimately leads to neuronal death.Recent studies have clarified the multifactorial pathogenesis of ischemic stroke,highlighting the roles of energy failure,excitotoxicity,oxidative stress,neuroinflammation,and apoptosis.This review aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into the fundamental mechanisms driving neuronal death triggered by ischemia and to examine the progress of neuroprotective therapeutic approaches designed to mitigate neuronal loss and promote neurological recovery after a stroke.Additionally,we explored widely accepted findings regarding the potential pathways implicated in neuronal death during ischemic stroke,including the interplay of apoptosis,autophagy,pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and necrosis,which collectively influence neuronal fate.We also discussed advancements in neuroprotective therapeutics,encompassing a range of interventions from pharmacological modulation to stem cell-based therapies,aimed at reducing neuronal injury and enhancing functional recovery following ischemic stroke.Despite these advancements,challenges remain in translating mechanistic insights into effective clinical therapies.Although neuroprotective strategies have shown promise in preclinical models,their efficacy in human trials has been inconsistent,often due to the complex pathology of ischemic stroke and the timing of interventions.In conclusion,this review synthesizes mechanistic insights into the intricate interplay of molecular and cellular pathways driving neuronal death post-ischemia.It sheds light on cutting-edge advancements in potential neuroprotective therapeutics,underscores the promise of regenerative medicine,and offers a forward-looking perspective on potential clinical breakthroughs.The ongoing evolution of precision-targeted interventions is expected to significantly enhance preventative strategies and improve clinical outcomes.
文摘BACKGROUNDCancer stem cells(CSCs)drive recurrence and therapeutic resistance in triplenegativebreast cancer(TNBC),a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype.Intratumoralhypoxia,a common feature of solid tumors,promotes CSCs enrichment,yet the mechanisms sustaining CSCs stemness remain poorly understood.Hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species can oxidatively activate ataxia telangiectasiamutated(ATM)kinase(oxidized ATM,p-ATM)independently of DNA breaks.AIMTo investigate the role of hypoxia-induced oxidized ATM in sustaining TNBCCSCstemness through c-Myc-mediated regulation of one-carbon metabolism.METHODSHs578T and MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells were cultured under normoxia or hypoxia.CSC stemness was assessed by mammosphere assays and flow cytometry.ATMactivity was assessed by pharmacological inhibition(Ku60019)and short hairpinRNA knockdown.c-Myc binding to serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2(SHMT2)and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2(MTHFD2)promoters was analyzedby dual-luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation.NADPH/NADP+ratios were quantified,and metabolic reprogramming was profiledby liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics.RESULTSHypoxia significantly increased mammosphere formation in both Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 cells,as reflected byhigher numbers of mammospheres(Hs578T:214±18;MDA-MB-231:198±16;both P<0.01)and larger meandiameters(P<0.01).Hypoxia also elevated CD44+/CD24-cell proportions and stemness gene expression(P<0.01).Oxidized ATM was activated under hypoxia withoutγH2AX induction,confirming DNA damage independence.ATM inhibition reduced mammosphere growth and suppressed c-Myc,SHMT2,and MTHFD2.Luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed direct c-Myc binding to SHMT2 and MTHFD2promoters,while mutation of the binding sites abolished promoter activity.NADPH/NADP+ratios were significantlyelevated under hypoxia but reduced following ATM inhibition(P<0.05).Metabolomics revealed enrichmentof serine/glycine one-carbon pathways.CONCLUSIONHypoxia-induced oxidized ATM maintains TNBC-CSC stemness by promoting c-Myc-dependent upregulation ofMTHFD2 and SHMT2,linking hypoxia,redox signaling,and one-carbon metabolism.These findings suggest apotential therapeutic axis that could be exploited for TNBC treatment.
文摘Background:A significant challenge regarding notable historical figures is determining the accuracy of the words and actions attributed to them with the limited available evidence,when their biographers have presented a biased life assessment.Lauded as a founding suffragette,the first female school principal,and the first white female practicing physician in Canada,Dr.Emily Stowe did not help historians.She destroyed her records,leaving her life story to be told by her daughter,who portrayed her as a heroine–a view that has persisted since the start of the 20th century.To improve the accuracy of assessing the life of Emily Stowe,as much information as possible about Stowe must be collected and interpreted.Methods:Presented is a narrative research method for analyzing historical figures that examines 22 life-changing events in the life of Stowe by answering six types of questions about each event:when,where,who,what,how,and why.Results:This narrative research,representing a psychoanalytic research process,finds that much of the repeated story of Stowe is either exaggerated or likely false.Conclusion:Following the example of Emily Stowe,this unique method is applicable for improving the historical accuracy in assessing the lives of other notable figures.It represents a method extendable to those currently alive,outside the public eye,searching to develop their own narrative.
文摘Amyloid-β(Aβ)and tau,the two hallmark proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease(AD),exhibit distinct toxic effects but also interact synergistically within the disease pathology.The prevailing theory in AD pathology-the amyloid cascade hypothesis-highlights the pivotal role of increased processing of the amyloid precursor protein(APP).Initially cleaved by the majorβ-secretase(β-amyloid cleaving enzyme-1,BACE1)in the brain,then undergoes further cleavage by theγ-secretase complex,resulting in the production of Aβ_(40-42)and a set of intracellular C-terminal peptides known as Aβand APP intracellular domain(β-AICDs)and soluble amyloid precursor proteinβ(sAPPβ)(Orobets and Karamyshev,2023).
文摘Non-right-handedness(NRH),encompassing left-handedness and mixed-handedness,has been frequently reported at elevated rates in individuals with various psychiatric disorders.The consistency of this association across multiple conditions and its underlying mechanisms is the subject of ongoing investigation.This review synthesized current evidence to explore the association between NRH and psychiatric disorders from epidemiological,genetic,and neurobiological perspectives.We systematically identified and appraised relevant literature investigating NRH prevalence in psychiatric populations and potential explanatory mechanisms.Epidemiological evidence indicates an elevated prevalence of NRH,particularly within neurodevelopmental disorders.Potential contributing mechanisms identified include early developmental disruptions,shared genetic predispositions,and atypical patterns of brain lateralization.While the association between NRH and psychiatric conditions,especially neurodevelopmental disorders,is evident,the causal pathways and relative contributions of identified mechanisms are complex and debated.This review highlighted key areas requiring further research to elucidate these relationships.
基金supported by grants from National Key R&D Program of China,No.2023YFC2506100(to JZ)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82171062(to JZ).
文摘Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.It causes local damage to photoreceptors,retinal pigment epithelium,and choroidal vessels,which leads to permanent central vision loss of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis is complex,and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.Therefore,there are no effective treatment options.A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis and its related mechanisms is important to elucidate its complications and explore potential treatments.The current article reviews several aspects of subretinal fibrosis,including the current understanding on the relationship between neovascular age-related macular degeneration and subretinal fibrosis;multimodal imaging techniques for subretinal fibrosis;animal models for studying subretinal fibrosis;cellular and non-cellular constituents of subretinal fibrosis;pathophysiological mechanisms involved in subretinal fibrosis,such as aging,infiltration of macrophages,different sources of mesenchymal transition to myofibroblast,and activation of complement system and immune cells;and several key molecules and signaling pathways participating in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis,such as vascular endothelial growth factor,connective tissue growth factor,fibroblast growth factor 2,platelet-derived growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β,transforming growth factor-βsignaling pathway,Wnt signaling pathway,and the axis of heat shock protein 70-Toll-like receptors 2/4-interleukin-10.This review will improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis,allow the discovery of molecular targets,and explore potential treatments for the management of subretinal fibrosis.
