Microglia polarization is associated with the pathogenesis of depression. A previous study shows that long non‐coding RNA uc.80‐ is down‐regulated in the hippocampus of depressed rats. Thus, this article aims to investigate the role of uc.80‐ in microglia polarization in depression. We first established depression model rats by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) regiment. We found that hippocampus

The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has affected millions of people worldwide. To date, there are no proven effective therapies for this virus. Efforts made to develop antiviral strategies for the treatment of COVID‐19 are underway. Respiratory viral infections, such as influenza, predispose patients to co‐infections

The ATP‐dependent chromatin remodeling proteins play an important role in DNA repair. The energy released by ATP hydrolysis is used for myriad functions ranging from nucleosome repositioning and nucleosome eviction to histone variant exchange. In addition, the distant member of the family, SMARCAL1, uses the energy to reanneal stalled replication forks in response to DNA damage. Biophysical studies

The emphasis of our study was to determine the physiological function of miR‐1224‐5p in rectal cancer (RC) and its in‐depth mechanism. First, the expression of miR‐1224‐5p in RC tissues was analyzed using public data from the TCGA database. Then, miR‐1224‐5p expression in RC cell lines SW480 and SW837 was measured using the qRT‐PCR assay. The subsequent CCK‐8 assay was executed to assess the function

Cancer, even currently, is one of the main reasons for mortality and morbidity, worldwide. In recent years, a great deal of effort has been made to find efficient therapeutic strategies for cancer, however, particularly with regards to side effects and the possibility of complete remission. Berberine (BBR) is a nature‐driven phytochemical component originated from different plant groups such as Berberis

Despite the development of therapeutic strategies, cancer is the second death cause worldwide and still rising. Unclear molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and lack of biomarkers for early diagnosis or advanced management are responsible for the poor prognosis of cancer. Recently, exosomes have been the focus of tumor studies, as they carry many biomolecules including proteins, lipids, and nucleic

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiac disorder, which affects around 12% diabetic patients, resulting in overt heart death. Our initial bioinformatic analysis identified the differentially expressed gene 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A synthase 2 (HMGCS2) in DCM, which may be activated by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha (PPARα) based on previous evidence. Therefore, the

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone neoplasm, mostly occurring in pediatric patients. OS is characterized by a highly aggressive and metastatically active tumor. Chemotherapy followed by surgical excision is the treatment of choice but is often associated with both chemoresistance and relapse. Hence, it is important to develop further understanding of OS pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic

Prostate cancer is a heritable and clinically heterogeneous cancer. Both long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis and development of prostate cancer. Analysis of microarray data indicated that the lncRNA LINC01207 was differentially expressed in prostate cancer. In silico analysis predicted the interaction between LINC01207 and miR‐1972 as well as

Dermatophagoides farinae , as a common house dust mite species, is one of the main sources of allergens in the world. At present, Dermatophagoides farinae is found to contain more than 30 groups of allergens. These allergens are used for allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) of allergic diseases. During the AIT process, immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies can block immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody‐induced

Sepsis results from a major systemic inflammatory response and can induce disorders in multiple organs. The present study evaluated the potential protective effects of oleuropein (OLE) against hyperinflammatory responses during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced sepsis in mice. Sixty male Balb/c mice were randomly categorized into five groups of 12 animals each: control, intraperitoneally injected with

Natural products are a valuable source of new molecules and are important for drug discovery. Many chemotherapeutics currently in clinical use were originated from natural sources and are effective cytotoxic agents. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic and pro‐apoptotic effects of achyrobichalcone (ACB) and 3‐O ‐methylquercetin (3O MQ), two novel compounds isolated from the Achyrocline satureioides

DNA recombination, replication, and repair are intrinsically interconnected processes. From viruses to humans, they are ubiquitous and essential to all life on Earth. Single‐strand annealing homologous DNA recombination is a major mechanism for the repair of double‐stranded DNA breaks. An exonuclease and an annealase work in tandem, forming a complex known as a two‐component recombinase. Redβ annealase

Resistance to chemotherapy represents a major hurdle to successful cancer treatment. A key role for efficient response to anticancer therapies is played by TP53 oncosuppressor gene that indeed is mutated in 50% of human cancers or inactivated at protein level in the remaining 50%. Homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) is the wild‐type p53 (wtp53) apoptotic activator, and its inhibition by

Schizandrin A (SchA) is a type of lignan with biological properties against oxidation, inflammation, and cancer. Here, we aimed to sustain the bioactive properties of SchA in proliferative and motional phenotypes of MDA‐MB‐231 cells and their molecular mechanism.

The endogenous non‐coding microRNA (miRNA) let‐7b‐5p is highly expressed in the blood of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the mechanism underlying the involvement of let‐7b‐5p in acute PE remains unclear. To address this, we investigated the role of let‐7b‐5p in acute PE in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The results showed that let‐7b‐5p upregulated the expression

Increasing findings are suggesting the vital roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the glioblastoma tumorigenesis. However, whether the novel lncRNA LINC00021 modulates temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of glioblastoma is still unclear. Clinically, lncRNA LINC00021 was significantly up‐regulated in glioblastoma, especially the TMZ‐resistant tissue and cells, and the LINC00021 overexpression was closely

It is plausible that apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3 ), patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3), and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) polymorphisms may affect predisposition of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the results of so far published studies remain controversial. The authors conducted this meta‐analysis to clarify relationships between APOC3/PNPLA3/TM6SF2

Parkinson's disease (PD) induced by environmental toxins involves a multifactorial cascade of harmful factors, thus motivating the search for therapeutic agents able to act on the greatest number of molecular targets. This study evaluated the efficacy of 50 mg/kg purified anacardic acids (AAs), isolated from cashew nut shell liquid, on multiple steps of oxidative stress and inflammation induced by

The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism and the effect of Saponin from Tupistra chinensis Baker (STCB) on the proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. To investigate the inhibitory effect of STCB on the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells, SKOV3 cells were cultured and the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay was used. Flow cytometry was also used to analyze the cell

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that is harmful to humans, especially male reproductive organs. Luteolin (LUT) is a naturally occurring flavonoid with numerous biological activities. Our aim was to investigate the possible reproprotective effect of LUT against testicular deficits induced by Pb intoxication. In the present study, 28 rats were distributed into 4 groups: control, LUT (50 mg/kg), lead

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most common monogenic disease that has an adverse impact on the patients' health and quality of life. ADPKD is usually known as “adult‐type disease,” but rare cases have been reported in pediatric patients. We present here a 2‐year‐old Tunisian girl with renal cyst formation and her mother with adult onset ADPKD. Disease‐causing mutation has

It has been previously established that hypoxia leads to tumor development, treatment resistance, and a poor prognosis. Under oxygen deprivation, hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) are stimulated to activate the genes necessary for tumor development in a low‐oxygen environment. These genes encode regulators of angiogenesis, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, and cellular metabolism. A disulfide isomerase

Progressive memory loss and cognitive dysfunction are hallmark clinical features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As a possible treatment for AD, we developed an epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and β‐site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 antisense (BACE1‐AS) shRNA‐encoded plasmid. The plasmid was loaded on to RVG29 peptide‐targeted multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) (REGS‐PN). The polymeric

PIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a kind of non‐coding small RNAs, which play a biological role by specifically binding to PIWI proteins. Studies have demonstrated that piRNAs play a significant role in germline cell growth by repressing transposable elements, especially in the regulation of DNA methylation. Recently increasing evidence revealed that piRNAs involved in the regulation of cell proliferation

Cisplatin (CP), as a chemotherapeutic drug, causes nephrotoxicity that has limited the clinical utility of CP. Gliclazide (GLZ), as an antihyperglycemic drug, at low dose has antioxidant property. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of GLZ against CP‐induced acute renal injury. Sixty‐four BALB/c mice were randomly divided into eight groups. The groups were included as control

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancers begins in the melanocyte. Micro‐RNAs are small noncoding RNA with 19 to 25 nucleotides in length involves in the regulation of a wide range of biological processes. MicroRNAs are affected by an aberrant epigenetic alteration in the tumors that may lead to their dysregulation and formation of cancer. Recently, dysregulation of numerous microRNAs has been reported

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders. Long non‐coding RNAs have important regulatory values in various human diseases. Non‐coding RNA Activated by DNA Damage (NORAD) was reported to regulate PD progression in vitro, but its functional mechanism is fully unknown. We used 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+) to establish the cell‐based PD model. NORAD, microRNA‐204‐5p

Cardiac arrest is one of the major causes of death and disability. The aim of the study was to identify dynamic time‐dependent metabolomic changes reflected in rat plasma induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion with the focus on the protective effect of ischemic preconditionig. Global cerebral ischemia in rats was induced by the four‐vessel occlusion. Blood plasma was collected in three reperfusion

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of CVD. Circulating cell‐free mitochondrial DNA (ccf‐mtDNA) is that mtDNA fragments are released outside the cell and into the circulation by cell necrosis and secretion. The levels of ccf‐mtDNA are increased in CVD and associated risk conditions, including hypercholesterolemia

Short‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD), encoded by the Acads gene, functions in the mitochondrial β‐oxidation of saturated short‐chain fatty acids. SCAD deficiency results in mitochondrial dysfunction, which is one underlying biological mechanism of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis. In this case–control study, we aimed to examine the effects of Acads gene polymorphisms on

Retinopathy of prematurity is a major cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Hence, exploring the proper treatment methods is a must in tacking this disease. qRT‐PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of genes and proteins, respectively. The proliferation of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRECs) was ensured by MTT assay. The luciferase activity was measured through luciferase

Apoptotic resistance and excessive proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLSs) stimulated by inflammation could lead to distal joint destruction and bone damage. Periplocin could promote apoptosis, resist proliferation, and reduce inflammation. However, the effect and mechanism toward periplocin in proliferation and inflammation of RA‐FLSs remain unclear. The role of

Pediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease; whose etiology is not exactly understood and seems to be highly multifactorial. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of different actions, which contribute to the development of many autoimmune diseases. To gain a further understanding, we estimated the relative expression of lncRNAs Metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma

Obesity is associated with breast cancer aggressiveness and drug resistance. Although the underlying mechanisms are unknown, recent studies indicated that exosomes have a principal contributory role in obesity‐associated metabolic complications. Hence, we investigated whether obesity can mediate breast cancer progression and resistance to tamoxifen by plasma‐derived‐exosomes from obese women or not

Staphylococcus aureus is known as a common pathogen that colonizes 30% of healthy humans. Additionally, this bacterium can cause a number of serious infections, that is, endocarditis, bacteremia, pneumonia, wound, skin infections, and tissue abscesses. A variety of cellular and molecular pathways and targets are involved in response against S. aureus . Among them, microRNAs (miRNAs) have crucial roles

Age‐related cognitive failure is a main devastating incident affecting even healthy people. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the utmost common form of dementia among the geriatric community. In the pathogenesis of AD, cerebrovascular dysfunction is revealed before the beginning of the cognitive decline. Mounting proof shows a precarious impact of cerebrovascular dysregulation in the development of AD pathology

While activation of immune system may lead to a lower risk of some diseases, it has been shown that a history of atopic allergic disorders such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, and food allergies could be related to several types of cancer. However, the evidence is not entirely conclusive. Two proposals suggest a possible mechanism for the association between allergic disorders and cancers: immune surveillance

The 10th jubilee conference (IPK2019) took place on September 15-19, 2019 in Warsaw, on the Ochota campus as the IUBMB Focused Meeting entitled "Inhibitors of Protein Kinases. Kinase inhibitors in target biology and disease".

Interleukin (IL)‐22 is a member of IL‐10 family cytokines with various immunologic functions. As its name implies, IL‐22 is known to be secreted mainly by Th22 cells, a recently discovered lineage of CD4+ T cells. Also, Th17, Th1, natural killer cells, γδT cells, and innate immune cells along with some nonlymphoid cells have been confirmed as secondary cellular sources of IL‐22. Different cell types

A series of halogenated derivatives of natural flavonoids: baicalein and chrysin were designed and investigated as possible ligands for the catalytic subunit of tumor-associated human kinase CK2. Thermal shift assay method, in silico modeling, and high-performance liquid chromatography-derived hydrophobicity together with IC50 values determined in biochemical assay were used to explain the ligand affinity

Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is currently broadly used in the treatment of different types of cancer. The treatment targeting programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 axis is already approved by Food and Drug Administration for numerous cancers. These kinds of therapy brought spectacular results in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer where systemic

A pool of Plasmodium falciparum casein kinase 1 (PfCK1) has been shown to localize to the host red blood cell (RBC) membrane and be secreted to the extracellular medium during trophozoite stage of development. We attempted to identify mechanisms for secretion of PfCK1 and its appearance on the RBC membrane. We found that two host proteins with established functions in membrane trafficking in higher

Cellular homeostasis requires tight coordination between nucleus and mitochondria, organelles that each possesses their own genomes. Disrupted mitonuclear communication has been found to be implicated in many aging processes. However, little is known about mitonuclear signaling regulator in sarcopenia which is a major contributor to the risk of poor health‐related quality of life, disability, and premature

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is commonly caused by Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica . In the present study, the differential expression of proteins was identified in the amastigote‐like forms of L. tropica and L. major in Iranian isolates. Initially, the samples were cultured and identified using PCR‐RFLP technique. The Leishmania isolates were then grown in host‐free (axenic) culture and prepared

Cardiac hypoxia plays a significant role in various types of heart disease, and improper treatment of hypoxia often leads to myocardial cell damage or even death. Transcriptome profiling and open chromatin mapping have been used as powerful tools to understand the development of heart disease, but the interplay between gene expression and chromatin accessibility has not been extensively investigated

Exosomes carrying microRNAs (miRNAs) mediate cell‐to‐cell communication, which play important roles in cancer growth and progression. However, the roles and molecular mechanisms of the miRNAs in the exosomes from carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are still not clear. The miRNA array showed that miR‐3613‐3p was an upregulated miRNA in CAFs exosomes. It was verified that miR‐3613‐3p was upregulated

CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated protein9) may be viewed as an adaptive bacterial immune system. When a virus infects a bacterium, a fragment of the virus genome is inserted into the CRISPR sequence of the bacterial genome as a memory. When the bacterium becomes infected again with the same virus, an RNA molecule that is a transcript of the memory

Melatonin (N ‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine), a pleotropic molecule with a wide distribution, has received considerable attention in recent years, mostly because of its various major effects on tissues or cells since it has both receptor‐dependent and receptor‐independent actions over a wide range of concentrations. These biological and physiological functions of melatonin include regulation of circadian

In Huntington's disease, the length of the polyglutamine tract in the mutant protein correlates positively with the formation of aggregates and disease symptoms and severity of the disease. Some disease‐modifying factors exist. However, no organized study has been carried out to investigate the effect of polyglutamine length in the mutant protein on the efficacy of a therapeutic strategy. We had shown

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is an inflammatory disease. Studies have shown that adipose tissue and inflammation play important roles in the pathogenesis of IBD. C1q/TNF‐related protein‐3 (CTRP3) is a newly discovered adipokine playing a substantial role during inflammatory process, and for the first time in the present

microRNA‐3607 (miR‐3607) has been identified as an important biomarker, and its aberrant expression exerts a significant role in tumorigenesis. However, the biological function of miR‐3607 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) needs to be deciphered comprehensively. Clinical samples of HCC patients, as well as normal cases, were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Quantitative reverse transcription

Guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C) is the receptor for the heat-stable enterotoxin, which causes diarrhea, and the endogenous ligands, guanylin and uroguanylin. GC-C is predominantly expressed in the intestinal epithelium and regulates fluid and ion secretion in the gut. The receptor has a complex domain organization, and in the absence of structural information, mutational analysis provides clues to mechanisms

During mixed‐acid fermentation, Escherichia coli transports succinate mainly via transporters of the Dcu family. Here, we analyze the influence of Dcu transporters on hydrogenase (Hyd) and fermentative formate dehydrogenase (FDH‐H) activities and how this is affected by external pH and carbon source. Using selected dcu mutations, it was shown that Dcu carriers mainly affect Hyd and FDH‐H activities

C─H⋯O hydrogen bonds constitute a unique class of cohesive interactions. Their properties are similar to those of canonical H-bonds, although their energy is significantly lower, typically in the 0.5-2.5 kcal/mol range. Polarised C─H groups, such as those adjacent to electronegative groups, or within aromatic moieties, are particularly strong donors. C─H⋯O bonds are ubiquitous in nucleic acids and

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potentially powerful weapon against Candida albicans , and the regulation of intracellular NO levels is therefore important for controlling its physiological functions. Lactoferricin B like peptide (LBLP) is a 23‐mer antimicrobial peptide (AMP) derived from the Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans . We confirmed that LBLP treatment led to the generation of endogenous NO in C. albicans