Article
Immunology
Xin-miao Wu, Mu-huo Ji, Xiao-yu Yin, Han-wen Gu, Ting-ting Zhu, Run-zhu Wang, Jian-jun Yang, Jin-chun Shen
Summary: Early life immune activation has negative effects on the development of central nervous system and cognitive function. Inflammation induces changes in microglia morphology, leading to neural circuit dysfunction. This study found that early immune activation induced microglia activation, resulting in synaptic and cognitive impairment. Environmental enrichment (EE) alleviated these abnormalities and improved cognitive impairment.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Huanhuan Pang, Yisheng Jiang, Jie Li, Yushen Wang, Meng Nie, Nan Xiao, Shuo Wang, Zhihong Song, Fansen Ji, Yafei Chang, Yu Zheng, Ke Yao, LiAng Yao, Shao Li, Peng Li, Lei Song, Xun Lan, Zhiheng Xu, Zeping Hu
Summary: Zika virus infection can lead to microcephaly in newborns, with extensive metabolic reprogramming events observed in infected mouse brains. Alterations in NAD(+) metabolism were identified as potential therapeutic targets for alleviating Zika virus-induced microcephaly, which was validated in vivo through NAD(+) or nicotinamide riboside supplementation.
Article
Cell Biology
Tusar K. Acharya, Ankit Tiwari, Rakesh K. Majhi, Chandan Goswami
Summary: TRPM8 is an ion channel that influences T-cell activation and differentiation by promoting calcium increase and proinflammatory cytokine secretion. Its surface accumulation in activated T cells enhances TCR-induced responses, but inhibition does not prevent T-cell activation, suggesting it may be dispensable in this process, unlike other channels like TRPV1 and TRPV4.
CELL BIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinyoung Kim, Jongdae Won, Dong Kyu Chung, Hyung Ho Lee
Summary: This study focuses on the conformational changes of human transient receptor potential vanilloid member 3 (hTRPV3) during temperature increase, using Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay. The results show that the C-terminal domain undergoes the largest structural change during heat-induced activation of hTRPV3, while the ankyrin repeat domain (ARD) remains relatively unchanged. Interestingly, the structural changes observed during hTRPV3 activation by agonists are different, with significant changes in ARD and S2-S3 linker. These findings provide insights into the thermal activation mechanism of hTRPV3 channel.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Meili Wang, Xiaochen Yin, Shuanglei Li, Xi Zhang, Ming Yi, Chunyu He, Xiaoyue Li, Wei Wang, Suli Zhang, Huirong Liu
Summary: In this study, we provide compelling evidence that dysfunction of the BK channel alpha-subunit mediates AT1-AAs-induced mesenteric artery remodeling. Preservation of BK channel activity may serve as a potential strategy for the treatment of AT1-AAs-induced maladaptive resistance artery remodeling.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Zhenyu Hu, Bo Zhang, Leon Jian Ying Lim, Wei Zhern Kelvin Loh, Dejie Yu, Bryce Wei Quan Tan, Mui Cheng Liang, Zhongwei Huang, Chen Huei Leo, Hua Huang, Tuck Wah Soong
Summary: This study provides evidence that S-nitrosylation significantly reduces Ca(V)1.2 channel activity through lysosomal degradation and reduced open probability, contributing to hypertension. These findings offer potential pathways for therapeutic interventions in hypertension.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adriana Lelis Carvalho, Annika Treyball, Daniel J. Brooks, Samantha Costa, Ryan J. Neilson, Michaela R. Reagan, Mary L. Bouxsein, Katherine J. Motyl
Summary: The study identified sex differences in the role of TRPM8 in maintaining body temperature, bone microarchitecture, and marrow adipose tissue, showing that TRPM8 is not necessary for cold-induced trabecular bone loss in both sexes. However, in females, TRPM8 deletion significantly suppressed bone marrow adipose tissue.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yong Chen, Zi-Long Wang, Michele Yeo, Qiao-Juan Zhang, Ana E. Lopez-Romero, Hui-Ping Ding, Xin Zhang, Qian Zeng, Sara L. Morales-Lazaro, Carlene Moore, Ying-Ai Jin, Huang-He Yang, Johannes Morstein, Andrey Bortsov, Marcin Krawczyk, Frank Lammert, Manal Abdelmalek, Anna Mae Diehl, Piotr Milkiewicz, Andreas E. Kremer, Jennifer Y. Zhang, Andrea Nackley, Tony E. Reeves, Mei-Chuan Ko, Ru-Rong Ji, Tamara Rosenbaum, Wolfgang Liedtke
Summary: The study identified LPC as a novel pruritogen in cholestatic liver diseases, causing itch through epithelia-sensory neuron cross talk. This finding provides a new perspective for the treatment of itch.
Article
Neurosciences
Sean M. Raph, Marc M. Dwenger, Xuemei Hu, Matthew A. Nystoriak
Summary: Smooth muscle voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels in resistance arteries control vascular tone and contribute to the coupling of blood flow with local metabolic activity. The glycolytic end-product L-lactate and superoxide-derived hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) modulate the activity of Kv1 channels in vascular smooth muscle. L-lactate activates Kv1 channels through the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-mediated conversion to pyruvate, while H2O2 activates Kv1 channels in the presence of L-lactate. The Kv beta complex of native vascular Kv1 channels acts as a key effector for multiple redox signals to regulate channel activity and vascular tone.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David Alarcon-Alarcon, David Cabanero, Jorge De Andres-Lopez, Magdalena Nikolaeva-Koleva, Simona Giorgi, Gregorio Fernandez-Ballester, Asia Fernandez-Carvajal, Antonio Ferrer-Montiel
Summary: TRPA1 and TRPM8 are channels expressed in trigeminal neurons that play important roles in migraine models. A mouse model of chronic migraine was used in this study and showed a sexually dimorphic phenotype, with female mice displaying mechanical hypersensitivity persisting until day 20, while male mice recovered by day 18. TRPA1 was found to be necessary for the development of hypersensitivity in both males and females, while TRPM8 contributed to faster recovery in males. The antinociceptive effects mediated by TRPM8 required the presence of endogenous testosterone in males. Administration of exogenous testosterone led to recovery from hypersensitivity in females and orchidectomized males. Calcium imaging and electrophysiological recordings confirmed testosterone's activity on murine and human TRPM8, independent of androgen receptor expression. These findings suggest a protective role of TRPM8 in shortening the duration of hypersensitivity in a mouse model of migraine.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fang-fang Xu, Fan Zheng, Ye Chen, Yang Wang, Shao-bo Ma, Weng Ding, Le-sha Zhang, Ji-zheng Guo, Chang-Bo Zheng, Bing Shen
Summary: Thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) is involved in modulating nitric oxide (NO) signaling in endothelial cells, and its expression is significantly increased in a high-salt environment. This increase in THBS1 leads to decreased NO production and damaged endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Blockade of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) activity can reverse the upregulation of THBS1 and restore the production and release of NO. These findings suggest that THBS1 may be a potential target for treating high-salt-induced endothelial dysfunction.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Iktae Kim, Alyssa Dubrow, Bryan Zuniga, Baoyu Zhao, Noah Sherer, Abhishek Bastiray, Pingwei Li, Jae-Hyun Cho
Summary: Investigated the influence of strain-specific mutations on the evolution of influenza viruses and found that these mutations play a crucial role in shaping the protein energy landscape and altering the conformational dynamics of tightly packed residues.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sooyeon Choi, Chae Eun Haam, Eun-Yi Oh, Seonhee Byeon, Soo-Kyoung Choi, Young-Ho Lee
Summary: Vanillin, a phenolic aldehyde found in vanilla plants, has been found to induce concentration-dependent vasodilation in rat mesenteric resistance arteries. This vasodilation is not affected by endothelial denudation or the inhibition of various enzymes, suggesting that vanillin may be a potent vasodilatory molecule.
Article
Plant Sciences
Wei Mu, Lan-hui Zhang, Wei Jiang, Tian Zhang, An Liu, Yong-qiang Zhang, Jun Zhao, Lei Shi, Lin-na Liu
Summary: Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF) and its main component chlorogenic acid (CGA) have the potential to prevent vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by abdominal radiotherapy, possibly through increasing the expression of GTPCH1/BH4/eNOS signaling pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xing Fang, Yuting Chen, Jiangong Wang, Ziliang Zhang, Yu Bai, Kirstyn Denney, Lin Gan, Ming Guo, Neal L. Weintraub, Yun Lei, Xin-Yun Lu
Summary: Chronic stress leads to overactivation of POMC neurons, triggering maladaptive behavioral responses. Activation of POMC neurons increases susceptibility to stress, while inhibition of POMC neurons reverses stress-induced behavioral deficits.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Jose Guedes de Sena Filho, Anderson Soares de Almeida, Delia Pinto-Zevallos, Ighor Costa Barreto, Socrates Cabral de Holanda Cavalcanti, Rogeria Nunes, Adenir Vieira Teodoro, Haroudo Satiro Xavier, Jose Maria Barbosa Filho, Leluo Guan, Andre L. A. Neves, Jennifer M. Duringer
Summary: Monoterpenes are diverse chemical scents produced by plants as a defense against herbivores. Monoterpenes from Lamiaceae species have shown acaricidal activity against mites and ticks, but their mechanism of action is poorly understood. In this study, we reviewed the bioactivity of these compounds and assessed their potential toxicity to mites and ticks by measuring their docking ability to Drosophila melanogaster acetylcholinesterase (AChE). We identified several monoterpenoids that strongly bind to D. melanogaster AChE and suggest further exploration of linalool as a potential target for optimization studies.
Review
Cell Biology
Arthur Jose Pontes Oliveira de Almeida, Julio Cesar Pinheiro Lucio de Oliveira, Larisse Virgolino da Silva Pontes, Javanyr Frederico de Souza Junior, Tays Amanda Felisberto Goncalves, Sabine Helena Dantas, Mathania Silva de Almeida Feitosa, Antonia Oliveira Silva, Isac Almeida de Medeiros
Summary: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are molecules with oxidizing properties that play a key role in cellular signaling. Understanding the balance of ROS is important for determining cellular fate through redox signaling.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ana Raquel Pereira da Silva, Maria do Socorro Costa, Nara Juliana Santos Araujo, Thiago Sampaio de Freitas, Ray Silva de Almeida, Jose Maria Barbosa Filho, Josean Fechine Tavares, Erlanio Oliveira de Souza, Pablo Antonio Maia de Farias, Jacqueline Cosmo Andrade Pinheiro, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho
Summary: This study investigated the activity and action of solasodine as an alternative for antimicrobial resistance. The results showed significant effects when solasodine was combined with antibiotics, indicating its potential to improve the antibacterial activity against resistant strains.
Article
Immunology
Nara Juliana Santos Araujo, Ana Raquel Pereira da Silva, Maria do Socorro Costa, Camila Aparecida Pereira Silva, Thiago Sampaio de Freitas, Erlanio Oliveira de Sousa, Jose Maria Barbosa Filho, Yedda Maria Lobo Soares de Matos, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho, Jacqueline Cosmo Andrade-Pinheiro
Summary: Antimicrobial drugs play a crucial role in controlling bacterial infections, but their excessive use leads to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Hecogenin acetate, a secondary metabolite found in agave plants, has shown significant antibacterial activity. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of hecogenin acetate against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus, and to examine its inhibitory effects on NorA and MepA efflux pumps in S. aureus strains. The results showed that hecogenin acetate had minimal inhibitory concentration without significant relevance, and did not interfere with the efflux pump mechanism of the analyzed bacteria.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jessica Reboucas-Silva, Gabriel Farias Santos, Jose Maria Barbosa Filho, Andresa A. Berretta, Franciane Marquele-Oliveira, Valeria M. Borges
Summary: This study investigated the leishmanicidal and immunomodulatory effects of two main lignans, yangambin and epi-yangambin, in Louro-de-Cheiro on Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis. The results showed that both lignans can reduce the intracellular viability of the parasites and modulate the production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines by infected macrophages. These findings encourage further studies to explore natural bioactive compounds for the treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Camila Fonseca Bezerra, Jose Geraldo de Alencar Junior, Rosilaine de Lima Honorato, Antonia Thassya Lucas dos Santos, Josefa Carolaine Pereira da Silva, Tais Gusmao da Silva, Thiago Sampaio de Freitas, Maria Clara Fonseca Bezerra, Antonio Linkoln Alves Borges Leal, Debora Lima Sales, Joao Pedro Viana Rodrigues, Jose Maria Barbosa Filho, Laisla Rangel Peixoto, Allyson Pontes Pinheiro, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho, Maria Flaviana Bezerra Morais-Braga, Teresinha Goncalves da Silva
Summary: In this study, the sesquiterpene compound Trans-Caryophyllene was tested alone, encapsulated in liposomes, and associated with Fluconazole to enhance the antifungal effect. The results showed that Trans-Caryophyllene exhibited antifungal activity, but no significant enhancement was observed when combined with Fluconazole. The liposomes showed good antifungal efficacy with uniform spherical shapes.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elba dos Santos Ferreira, Laisa Vilar Cordeiro, Daniele de Figueredo Silva, Hermes Diniz Neto, Aleson Pereira de Sousa, Helivaldo Diogenes da Silva Souza, Petronio Filgueiras de Athayde-Filho, Felipe Queiroga Sarmento Guerra, Jose Maria Barbosa-Filho, Abrahao Alves de Oliveira Filho, Edeltrudes de Oliveira Lima, Ricardo Dias de Castro
Summary: The synthetic amide 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide exhibits antifungal activity against different strains of Aspergillus niger, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 32 to 256 μg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentrations ranging from 64 to 1024 μg/mL. It inhibits conidia germination and interacts with ergosterol in the plasma membrane. 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide has favorable physicochemical properties, good oral bioavailability, and low cytotoxic and genotoxic potential, making it a promising candidate for further in vivo toxicity studies.
DRUG AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fernando Ferreira Leite, Natalia Ferreira de Sousa, Bruno Hanrry Melo de Oliveira, Gabrielly Diniz Duarte, Maria Denise Leite Ferreira, Marcus Tullius Scotti, Jose Maria Barbosa Filho, Luis Cezar Rodrigues, Ricardo Olimpio de Moura, Francisco Jaime Bezerra Mendonca-Junior, Luciana Scotti
Summary: This study investigated the role of natural and synthetic chalcones and their anticancer activity in vitro reported from 2019 to 2023. The analysis found that the presence of polar radicals such as hydroxyl and methoxyl contributed to the anticancer activity of chalcones derivatives. The results hope to aid in the development of effective drugs to inhibit colon adenocarcinoma.
Article
Mycology
Risley Nikael Medeiros Silva, Marcelo Antonio Nobrega da Rocha, Emanuel Pereira Silva, Juliana Moura-Mendes, Jaime Ribeiro-Filho, Gabriela Ribeiro de Sousa, Jailton de Souza-Ferrari, Jose Maria Barbosa-Filho, Fillipe de Oliveira Pereira
Summary: Dermatophytosis, caused by dermatophytes such as Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis, is a common superficial mycosis. In this study, the alkamide-type alkaloid riparin 1 (RIP1) showed antimicrobial activity against clinically relevant dermatophytes and significantly reduced biofilm viability. Synthetic nor (NOR1) and dinor (DINOR1) homologs also exhibited antifungal activity, but DINOR1 was less effective. RIP1 was more potent than NOR1, potentially due to structural differences. These findings suggest that RIP1 and NOR1 have potential as therapeutic agents for dermatophytosis.
Article
Microbiology
Gabriela Cristina Soares Rodrigues, Mayara dos Santos Maia, Thalisson Amorim de Souza, Edeltrudes de Oliveira Lima, Luiz Eduardo Carneiro Gomes dos Santos, Shellygton Lima Silva, Marcelo Sobral da Silva, Jose Maria Barbosa Filho, Valnes da Silva Rodrigues Jr, Luciana Scotti, Marcus Tullius Scotti
Summary: Natural products, such as betulinic acid (BA), have important pharmacological activities. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of BA against various bacteria and fungi. In vitro tests showed that BA inhibited the growth of microbial species, with 75% of the species inhibited at a concentration of 561 μM. Molecular modeling studies revealed the mechanism of action of BA against the selected microorganisms.
Article
Microbiology
Emanuel Pereira Silva, Marcelo Antonio Nobrega da Rocha, Risley Nikael Medeiros Silva, Juliana Moura-Mendes, Gabriela Ribeiro de Sousa, Jailton de Souza-Ferrari, Jose Maria Barbosa-Filho, Edeltrudes de Oliveira Lima, Fillipe de Oliveira Pereira
Summary: This study evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm activity of RIP3 against different dermatophyte strains. The results showed that RIP3 can inhibit fungal growth, biofilm formation, and sulfite secretion.
Article
Immunology
Jorge Belem Oliveira Junior, Daivyane Aline Rocha da Mota, Fernanda Cristina Santos de Lima, Taciana Mirely Maciel Higino, Stanley Juan Chavez Gutierrez, Celso Amorim Camara, Jose Maria Barbosa Filho, Luiz Carlos Alves, Fabio Andre Brayner
Summary: This study investigated the inhibition and eradication of A. baumannii MDR biofilm by combining riparin III and colistin, along with potential ultrastructural changes observed in vitro. The results showed that the riparin III/colistin combination can inhibit and eradicate A. baumannii biofilm, accompanied by notable ultrastructural changes.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tays Amanda Felisberto Goncalves, Viviane Silva Lima, Arthur Jose Pontes Oliveira de Almeida, Alinne Villar de Arruda, Ana Caroline Meneses Ferreira Veras, Thais Trajano Lima, Evyllen Myllena Cardoso Soares, Adhonias Correia dos Santos, Maria Eduarda Costa de Vasconcelos, Mathania Silva de Almeida Feitosa, Robson Cavalcante Veras, Isac Almeida de Medeiros
Summary: This study demonstrated the regulatory effects of carvacrol on endothelial repair in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Results showed that carvacrol promoted the migration and proliferation of endothelial progenitor cells, increased eNOS expression and activity, reduced reactive oxygen species production and cellular senescence, and improved vascular function.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Michele Teixeira Serdeiro, Thiago Dutra Dias, Natanael Teles Ramos de Lima, Jose Maria Barbosa-Filho, Renato de Souza Belato, Jacenir Reis dos Santos-Mallet, Marise Maleck
Summary: Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika are arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, and controlling these mosquitoes is crucial in preventing outbreaks. This study demonstrated that essential oil constituents, such as nerolidol, have effective larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Robson Jose de Almeida, Andrea Harumy de Lima Hirata, Luiz Antonio de Jesus Rocha, Miriam Duarte de Arruda Motta, Patricia Varela, Leonardo Martins, Joao Bosco Pesquero, Cleber P. Camacho
Summary: This study compared the gene expression patterns of hypothyroidism and nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) as models of NTIS, based on hypothetical similarities. The concordant profile between them may reveal new biomarkers for challenging NTIS scenarios. Ion Proton System next-generation sequencing was used to build the hypothyroidism transcriptome. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in adults and children with sepsis were identified and compared, and specific genes were identified as potential predictive biomarkers for sepsis survivors and nonsurvivors.
ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY METABOLISM
(2023)