BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a disease typified by anomalies in cell metabolism. The function of mitochondria, including subunits of mitochondrial respiratory complex II (CII), in particular SDHB, are often affected. Here we investigated the state and function of CII in RCC patients. METHODS: We evaluated tumour tissue as well as the adjacent healthy kidney tissue of 78 patients with RCC of different histotypes, focusing on their mitochondrial function. As clear cell RCC (ccRCC) is by far the most frequent histotype of RCC, we focused on these patients, which were grouped based on the pathological WHO/ISUP grading system to low- and high-grade patients, indicative of prognosis. We also evaluated mitochondrial function in organoids derived from tumour tissue of 7 patients. RESULTS: ccRCC tumours were characterized by mutated von Hippel-Lindau gene and high expression of carbonic anhydrase IX. We found low levels of mitochondrial DNA, protein and function, together with CII function in ccRCC tumour tissue, but not in other RCC types and non-tumour tissues. Mitochondrial content increased in high-grade tumours, while the function of CII remained low. Tumour organoids from ccRCC patients recapitulated molecular characteristics of RCC tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the state of CII, epitomized by its assembly and SDHB levels, deteriorates with the progressive severity of ccRCC. These observations hold the potential for stratification of patients with worse prognosis and may guide the exploration of targeted therapeutic interventions.

• MeSH
• Antigens, Neoplasm MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Carbonic Anhydrase IX metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Carcinoma, Renal Cell * pathology   metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• DNA, Mitochondrial genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Mitochondria * metabolism   pathology   genetics   MeSH
• Mutation MeSH
• Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Kidney Neoplasms * pathology   metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Electron Transport Complex II * metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Succinate Dehydrogenase genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Purine de novo purine synthesis involves 10 reactions catalysed by six enzymes, including phosphoribosylformyglycinamidine synthase (PFAS). To date, genetic defects of three of these enzymes, namely ATIC, ADSL and PAICS, have been characterised in humans. Here, we report for the first time two individuals with PFAS deficiency. Probands were identified through metabolic and genetic screening of neurologically impaired individuals. The pathogenicity of the variants was established by structural and functional studies. Probands C1 and C2 presented with prematurity, short stature, recurrent seizures and mild neurological impairment. C1 had elevated urinary levels of formylglycineamide riboside (FGAr) and bi-allelic PFAS variants encoding the NP_036525.1:p.Arg811Trp substitution and the NP_036525.1:p.Glu228_Ser230 in-frame deletion. C2 is a 20-year-old female with a homozygous NP_036525.1:p.Asn264Lys substitution. These amino acid changes are predicted to affect the structural stability of PFAS. Accordingly, C1 skin fibroblasts showed decreased PFAS content and activity, with impaired purinosome formation that was restored by transfection with pTagBFP_PFAS_wt. The enzymatic activities of the corresponding recombinant mutant PFAS proteins were also reduced, and none of them, after transfection, corrected the elevated FGAR/r levels in PFAS-deficient HeLa cells. While genetic defects in purine de novo synthesis are typically considered in patients with severe neurological impairment, these disorders, especially PFAS deficiency, should also be considered in milder phenotypes.

• MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Carbon-Nitrogen Ligases with Glutamine as Amide-N-Donor * genetics   deficiency   metabolism   MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Mutation MeSH
• Purine-Pyrimidine Metabolism, Inborn Errors * genetics   MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Purines * biosynthesis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH

There is growing interest in the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in neonatal pathology. This study aimed to characterise circulating EVs following preterm birth. This single-centre prospective observational study included cord and postnatal plasma from preterm (n = 101) and full-term infants (n = 66). EVs were analysed using nanoparticle tracking analysis, flow cytometry, proteomics and procoagulant activity assay. We found changes in the concentration, size, cellular origin and proteomic content of circulating EVs in preterm infants during perinatal adaptation. To understand if these changes were related to prematurity or normal adaptation to extrauterine life, they were also investigated in term infants. There was a dramatic increase in the concentration of small and large EVs on Day 3 in the preterm group; specific subsets of platelet (CD42b+ and CD62P+), endothelial (VEGFR2) and tissue factor EVs were elevated. Differentially expressed proteins relating to haemostasis, pulmonary physiology and immunity were identified between Day 1 and 3 in preterm infants. These changes have never previously been described in a large cohort of preterm infants and differ from healthy term infants. These findings have major implications for future neonatal EV studies, particularly the timing of sample collection. Further work is required to understand the clinical implications of this unique EV profile following preterm birth.

• MeSH
• Extracellular Vesicles * metabolism   MeSH
• Adaptation, Physiological * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Infant, Premature * blood   MeSH
• Infant, Newborn MeSH
• Prospective Studies MeSH
• Proteomics methods   MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Infant, Newborn MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Observational Study MeSH

Halophilic bacteria are extremophiles that thrive in saline environment. Their ability to withstand such harsh conditions makes them an ideal choice for industrial applications such as lignocellulosic biomass degradation. In this study, a halophilic bacterium with the ability to produce extracellular cellulases and hemicellulases, designated as Nesterenkonia sp. CL21, was isolated from mangrove sediment in Tanjung Piai National Park, Malaysia. Thus far, studies on lignocellulolytic enzymes concerning bacterial species under this genus are limited. To gain a comprehensive understanding of its lignocellulose-degrading potential, the whole genome was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. The genome of strain CL21 was assembled into 25 contigs with 3,744,449 bp and a 69.74% GC content and was predicted to contain 3,348 coding genes. Based on taxonomy analysis, strain CL21 shares 73.8 to 82.0% average nucleotide identity with its neighbouring species, below the 95% threshold, indicating its possible status as a distinct species in Nesterenkonia genus. Through in-depth genomic mining, a total of 81 carbohydrate-active enzymes were encoded. Among these, 24 encoded genes were identified to encompass diverse cellulases (GH3), xylanases (GH10, GH11, GH43, GH51, GH127 and CE4), mannanases (GH38 and GH106) and pectinases (PL1, PL9, and PL11). The production of lignocellulolytic enzymes was tested in the presence of several substrates. This study revealed that strain CL21 can produce a diverse array of enzymes which are active at different time points. By combining experimental data with genomic information, the ability of strain CL21 to produce lignocellulolytic enzymes has been elucidated, with potential applications in biorefinery industry.

• MeSH
• Bacterial Proteins genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Cellulases genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Phylogeny * MeSH
• Genome, Bacterial * MeSH
• Genomics * MeSH
• Geologic Sediments microbiology   MeSH
• Glycoside Hydrolases * genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Lignin * metabolism   MeSH
• RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics   MeSH
• Whole Genome Sequencing MeSH
• Base Composition MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

This study aimed to determine the paraoxonase activity and prooxidant-antioxidant balance in the brain tissue of Wistar rats following subacute treatment with selected K-oximes. Each K-oxime was administered intramuscularly (0.1 LD50/kg) twice per week for four weeks, and 7 days after the last treatment, the paraoxonase activity (PON1), the prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), the levels of superoxide anion radical (O2•-), the concentration of nitrite (NO2-) and the content of free protein thiol groups in the brain homogenates were evaluated. The PON1 and PAB activity were significantly reduced in almost all oxime-treated groups (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The concentrations of O2•- were significantly increased in the obidoxime-, K048-, K074- and K075-treated groups (p < 0.001), while the levels of NO2- was significantly decreased in asoxime-, obidoxime-, K074 and K075-treated rats (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). The content of Thiol groups was significantly elevated in all oxime-treated groups (p < 0.001). Continuing our previously published data, these results confirmed that applied K-oximes improved the oxidative status and further harmful systemic effects of rats after subacute administration.

• MeSH
• Antioxidants * metabolism   MeSH
• Aryldialkylphosphatase * metabolism   MeSH
• Nitrites metabolism   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Brain * drug effects   metabolism   enzymology   MeSH
• Oximes * pharmacology   administration & dosage   MeSH
• Rats, Wistar MeSH
• Sulfhydryl Compounds metabolism   MeSH
• Superoxides metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) deficiency (classical homocystinuria) has a wide range of severity. Mildly affected patients typically present as adults with thromboembolism and respond to treatment with pyridoxine. Severely affected patients usually present during childhood with learning difficulties, ectopia lentis and skeletal abnormalities; they are pyridoxine non-responders (NR) or partial responders (PR) and require treatment with a low-methionine diet and/or betaine. The European network and registry for Homocystinurias and methylation Defects (E-HOD) has published management guidelines for CBS deficiency and recommended keeping plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations below 100 μmol/L. We have now analysed data from 311 patients in the registry to see how closely treatment follows the guidelines. Pyridoxine-responsive patients generally achieved tHcy concentrations below 50 μmol/L, but many NRs and PRs had a mean tHcy considerably above 100 μmol/L. Most NRs were managed with betaine and a special diet. This usually involved severe protein restriction and a methionine-free amino acid mixture, but some patients had a natural protein intake substantially above the WHO safe minimum. Work is needed on the methionine content of dietary protein as estimates vary widely. Contrary to the guidelines, most NRs were on pyridoxine, sometimes at dangerously high doses. tHcy concentrations were similar in groups prescribed high or low betaine doses and natural protein intakes. High tHcy levels were probably often due to poor compliance. Comparing time-to-event graphs for NR patients detected by newborn screening and those ascertained clinically showed that treatment could prevent thromboembolism (risk ratio 0.073) and lens dislocation (risk ratio 0.069).

• MeSH
• Betaine * therapeutic use   MeSH
• Cystathionine beta-Synthase deficiency   MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Homocysteine * blood   metabolism   MeSH
• Homocystinuria * drug therapy   MeSH
• Infant MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Methionine * deficiency   MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Infant, Newborn MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Pyridoxine * therapeutic use   MeSH
• Registries * MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Infant MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Infant, Newborn MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The parasitic protozoan Entamoeba histolytica secretes extracellular vesicles (EVs), but so far little is known about their function in the interaction with the host immune system. Infection with E. histolytica trophozoites can lead to formation of amebic liver abscesses (ALAs), in which pro-inflammatory immune responses of Ly6Chi monocytes contribute to liver damage. Men exhibit a more severe pathology as the result of higher monocyte recruitment and a stronger immune response. To investigate the role of EVs and pathogenicity in the host immune response, we studied the effect of EVs secreted by low pathogenic EhA1 and highly pathogenic EhB2 amebae on monocytes. Size and quantity of isolated EVs from both clones were similar. However, they differed in their proteome and miRNA cargo, providing insight into factors potentially involved in amebic pathogenicity. In addition, EVs were enriched in proteins with signaling peptides compared with the total protein content of trophozoites. Exposure to EVs from both clones induced monocyte activation and a pro-inflammatory immune response as evidenced by increased surface presentation of the activation marker CD38 and upregulated gene expression of key signaling pathways (including NF-κB, IL-17 and TNF signaling). The release of pro-inflammatory cytokines was increased in EV-stimulated monocytes and more so in male- than in female-derived cells. While EhA1 EV stimulation caused elevated myeloperoxidase (MPO) release by both monocytes and neutrophils, EhB2 EV stimulation did not, indicating the protective role of MPO during amebiasis. Collectively, our results suggest that parasite-released EVs contribute to the male-biased immunopathology mediated by pro-inflammatory monocytes during ALA formation.

• MeSH
• Liver Abscess, Amebic immunology   parasitology   MeSH
• Cytokines metabolism   MeSH
• Entamoebiasis immunology   parasitology   MeSH
• Entamoeba histolytica * immunology   pathogenicity   genetics   MeSH
• Extracellular Vesicles * immunology   metabolism   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Monocytes * immunology   parasitology   MeSH
• Signal Transduction * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second most prevalent malignancy globally, highlighting the urgent need for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as well as a deeper understanding of its molecular basis. Extensive research has demonstrated that cells actively secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) to mediate intercellular communication at both proximal and distal sites. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the RNA content of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) secreted into the culture media of five frequently utilised CRC cell lines (RKO, HCT116, HCT15, HT29, and DLD1). RNA sequencing data revealed significant insights into the RNA profiles of these sEVs, identifying nine protein-coding genes and fourteen long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes that consistently ranked among the top 30 most abundant across all cell lines. Notably, the genes found in sEVs were highly similar among the cell lines, indicating a conserved molecular signature. Several of these genes have been previously documented in the context of cancer biology, while others represent novel discoveries. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular cargo of sEVs in CRC, potentially unveiling novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

• MeSH
• Extracellular Vesicles * metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• HCT116 Cells MeSH
• Colorectal Neoplasms * genetics   pathology   metabolism   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Biomarkers, Tumor genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic MeSH
• RNA, Long Noncoding genetics   MeSH
• Sequence Analysis, RNA MeSH
• Gene Expression Profiling MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The circular economy of animal by-products rich in collagen focuses on converting collagen into peptides with a defined molecular weight. Collagen hydrolysates prepared by biotechnological methods from chicken gizzards, deer tendons, and Cyprinus carpio skeletons can be an alternative source of collagen for cosmetic products that traditionally use bovine or porcine collagen hydrolysates. Collagen hydrolysates were characterized by antioxidant activity, surface tension, solution contact angle, and other parameters (dry weight, ash content, and solution clarity). Furthermore, the vibrational characterization of functional groups and their molecular weight was performed using the GPC-RID method. Subsequently, emulsion and gel cosmetic matrices were prepared with 0.5% and 1.5% collagen hydrolysates. Microbiological stability, organoleptic properties, and viscosity were investigated. Verification of the biophysical parameters of the topical formulations was performed in vivo on a group of volunteers by measuring skin hydration and pH and determining trans-epidermal water loss. Fish collagen hydrolysate was the most suitable for cosmetic applications in the parameters investigated. Moreover, it also effectively reduces wrinkles in the periorbital region when used in a gel matrix.

• MeSH
• Antioxidants chemistry   pharmacology   MeSH
• Administration, Topical MeSH
• Carps metabolism   MeSH
• Collagen * chemistry   MeSH
• Cosmetics * chemistry   MeSH
• Chickens MeSH
• Skin metabolism   drug effects   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Protein Hydrolysates * chemistry   pharmacology   MeSH
• Skin Aging drug effects   MeSH
• Viscosity MeSH
• Deer MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Since cell dying in heart failure (HF) may vary based on the aetiology, we examined the main forms of regulated necrosis, such as necroptosis and pyroptosis, in the hearts damaged due to myocardial infarction (MI) or pressure overload. We also investigated the effects of a drug inhibiting RIP3, a proposed convergent point for both these necrosis-like cell death modes. In rat hearts, left ventricular function, remodelling, pro-cell death, and pro-inflammatory events were investigated, and the pharmacodynamic action of RIP3 inhibitor (GSK'872) was assessed. Regardless of the HF aetiology, the heart cells were dying due to necroptosis, albeit the upstream signals may be different. Pyroptosis was observed only in post-MI HF. The dysregulated miRNAs in post-MI hearts were accompanied by higher levels of a predicted target, HMGB1, its receptors (TLRs), as well as the exacerbation of inflammation likely originating from macrophages. The RIP3 inhibitor suppressed necroptosis, unlike pyroptosis, normalised the dysregulated miRNAs and tended to decrease collagen content and affect macrophage infiltration without affecting cardiac function or structure. The drug also mitigated the local heart inflammation and normalised the higher circulating HMGB1 in rats with post-MI HF. Elevated serum levels of HMGB1 were also detected in HF patients and positively correlated with C-reactive protein, highlighting pro-inflammatory axis. In conclusion, in MI-, but not pressure overload-induced HF, both necroptosis and pyroptosis operate and might underlie HF pathogenesis. The RIP3-targeting pharmacological intervention might protect the heart by preventing pro-death and pro-inflammatory mechanisms, however, additional strategies targeting multiple pro-death pathways may exhibit greater cardioprotection.

• MeSH
• Ventricular Function, Left drug effects   MeSH
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors * pharmacology   MeSH
• Myocytes, Cardiac * drug effects   pathology   enzymology   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• MicroRNAs metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Disease Models, Animal MeSH
• Necroptosis * drug effects   MeSH
• Necrosis MeSH
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley MeSH
• Pyroptosis * drug effects   MeSH
• Ventricular Remodeling drug effects   MeSH
• Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases * antagonists & inhibitors   metabolism   MeSH
• Heart Failure * pathology   enzymology   physiopathology   drug therapy   etiology   genetics   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH