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Beyond parental lines: multi-omics analyses reveal epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms underlying heterosis in Oryza sativa × Oryza rufipogon hybrids.

Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, refers to the superior phenotypes of a hybrid compared with their parents and is widely exploited in agriculture. Interspecific hybrids within the Oryza genus demonstrate significant potential for the systematic improvement of rice varieties. Nevertheless, the mechanistic basis underlying heterosis in interspecific Oryza hybrids remains poorly understood. Here, we systematically performed phenotypic characterization, whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, RNA sequencing, and small RNA profiling using Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica cv. Nipponbare (NIP), Oryza rufipogon Griff. acc. CWR, and their resulting F1 hybrid (named as NC). NIP and CWR showed distinct phenotypic and molecular differences. The interspecific hybrid, NC, exhibited significant yield heterosis. In the hybrid, most epigenetic and transcriptional features displayed additive inheritance patterns relative to parental lines. Analysis revealed that domestication-selected genes maintained relatively low DNA methylation coupled with high expression levels in both hybrid and parental lines. Additionally, we identified that non-additive miRNAs were potentially involved in regulating fertility, cell growth, and cell division processes in the hybrid. A significant negative correlation was observed between DNA methylation level and gene expression. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that hybrid-MPV DEGs were significantly associated with flowering time regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, protein phosphorylation, seed development, and defense responses. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we identified 102 functional gene modules, six of which were significantly associated with yield-related heterosis. Collectively, our results provide a multi-omics framework for understanding interspecific hybridization between elite cultivars and wild rice relatives, highlighting CWR as an untapped genetic reservoir for rice improvement.

Oryza

FUSE-PhyloTree: linking functions and sequence conservation modules of a protein family through phylogenomic analysis.

SUMMARY: FUSE-PhyloTree is a phylogenomic analysis software for identifying local sequence conservation associated with the different functions of a multi-functional (e.g. paralogous or multi-domain) protein family. FUSE-PhyloTree introduces an original approach that combines advanced sequence analysis with phylogenetic methods. First, local sequence conservation modules within the family are identified using partial local multiple sequence alignment. Next, the evolution of the detected modules and known protein functions is inferred within the family's phylogenetic tree using three-level phylogenetic reconciliation and ancestral state reconstruction. As a result, FUSE-PhyloTree provides a gene tree annotated with both predicted sequence modules and ancestral gene functions, enabling the association of functions with specific sequence regions based on their co-emergence. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: FUSE-PhyloTree is provided as Docker and Singularity images including all the required software tools. Images, source code, test data, and documentation are available at https://github.com/OcMalde/fuse-phylotree and https://zenodo.org/records/15855068.

Phylogeny

Determinants of functional burden pleiotropy and gene dosage responses across human traits.

Pleiotropic and monotonic effects of gene dosage are central to understanding comorbidities in developmental pediatric and psychiatric disorders, yet the underlying biological processes are not well characterized. Here we develop a functional burden analysis to investigate the association of all protein-coding copy-number variants, genome-wide, with 43 complex traits in approximately 500,000 UK Biobank participants. We test variant associations disrupting 172 tissue or cell-type gene sets, finding associations for all traits, which we replicate in the All of Us cohort. Functional burden pleiotropy, defined as the number of traits significantly associated with a gene set, correlates with genetic constraint and is higher for brain than non-brain functions, even after normalizing for genetic constraint. Levels of pleiotropy, measured by burden correlation, are similar in deletions and loss-of-function single-nucleotide variants, and higher than in common variants and duplications. Most gene dosage responses are non-monotonic, with deletions and duplications showing same-direction effects, and monotonic responses decrease with genetic constraint. We observe associations between functional gene sets and traits for either deletions or duplications, but rarely both, with negatively correlated effect sizes. Together, these results link genetic constraint and brain-specific mechanisms to the whole-body multimorbidity of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions.

Humans

Peripheral inflammation and executive function among community samples across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Higher levels of peripheral inflammatory markers are proposed to disrupt cognitive processes; however, the extent to which this relationship applies to executive functions, specifically, has yet to be systematically evaluated. The current meta-analysis synthesizes all available literature measuring the association between peripheral inflammation and executive functions among community individuals across the lifespan. This systematic review searched Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO for published and unpublished studies, in the English language, that assessed the association between markers of peripheral inflammation and self-report and behavioral measures of executive function. In addition to methodological and demographic information, correlation/beta coefficients were extracted from included studies to quantify the association between inflammation and executive functions. This review included 58 studies, 41 of which were included in the random-effects meta-analysis (N = 255,539). Among community individuals, higher levels of CRP and IL-6 were associated with poorer executive functioning. These results did not differ when models accounted for potential confounding variables. Meta-regressions revealed that the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and executive function did not differ as a function of age, adiposity, or percentage of the sample who identified as female. Results of the present review indicate that higher levels of specific inflammatory markers are associated with lower performance on executive function measures; however, we observed significant heterogeneity in the study design and measurement of both inflammation and executive functioning, suggesting important considerations for future research.

Humans

DNA methylation signatures in skeletal muscle associated with physical function in healthy older adults.

Despite the substantial variability in physical function among older adults, the molecular mechanisms remain poorly characterized, particularly within skeletal muscle. This study aimed to determine the patterns of DNA methylation in skeletal muscle associated with physical function in healthy older adults. We analyzed DNA methylation (EPIC v2 array; 875,554 CpG sites) in skeletal muscle from 92 healthy older adults (median age 74; 62% female). Associations were examined across five phenotypes: Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 6-min walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength, perceived disability (PAT-D), and lifestyle health (modified Life's Essential 8). Linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, BMI, and muscle fiber composition. Genomic inflation corrected via the BACON method (FDR&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Gene set enrichment analysis was performed on suggestive hits (FDR&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.1). We identified significant differentially methylated probes (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) across all phenotypes: SPPB (70 DMPs, 22 DMRs), 6MWT (16 DMPs, 566 DMRs), handgrip strength (2 DMRs), PAT-D (19 DMPs, 1 DMR), and lifestyle health (2 DMPs). DMRs largely overlapped promoters. Identified genes overlapped known musculoskeletal and neurological GWAS hits, including RUNX2 and FOXL1 (bone mineral density), IGFBP3 (muscle mass), and NEK1 and SHANK1 (neurological function). Enrichment analysis revealed that 6MWT-associated genes relate to nervous and skeletal system development, while handgrip-associated genes involve cytoskeletal dynamics and protein assembly. Epigenetic variation in aging skeletal muscle is associated with physical function. The enrichment of pathways related to nervous and musculoskeletal development suggests specific epigenetic mechanisms underlying functional decline, offering potential targets for intervention in older adults.

DNA methylation

Functional alterations in cerebral GABAA receptor complex associated with formation of alcohol dependence: analysis using GABA-dependent 36Cl- influx into neuronal membrane vesicles.

The effect of alcohol dependence induced by ethanol inhalation on GABA-dependent 36Cl- influx into membrane vesicles prepared from the mouse brain has been examined. Ethanol, flunitrazepam and salsolinol induced a significant facilitation of the GABA-dependent 36Cl- influx into membrane vesicles obtained from the normal mouse brain. Ethanol inhalation induced the facilitation of GABA-dependent 36Cl- influx at 3-12 hr after the initiation of inhalation, but this facilitation returned to a normal level within 12 hr. In membrane vesicles obtained from the brain of an alcohol-dependent mouse at 7 days after the initiation of ethanol inhalation, not only was there a significant decrease of the GABA-dependent 36Cl- influx but there occurred also the disappearance of the activating effects of ethanol, flunitrazepam and salsolinol on the influx. This decrease in GABA-dependent 36Cl- influx was found to be recovered within 8 hr after the withdrawal of ethanol inhalation. On the other hand, behavioural withdrawal signs such as tonic-clonic convulsions with grimaces and heads thrown back appeared at 8 hr after the withdrawal of ethanol inhalation and continued for 8-16 hr. These results suggest that the observed functional deteriorations at cerebral GABAA receptors such as the decrease of GABA-dependent 36Cl- influx and the disappearance of the activating effects of ethanol, flunitrazepam and salsolinol on the influx may contribute to the preparation of the exhibition of ethanol withdrawal signs and/or the establishment of functional tolerance to alcohol, but are not directly related to the exhibition of alcohol withdrawal signs.

Administration, Inhalation

Acquired disorder of platelet function associated with autoantibodies against membrane glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex--1. Glycoprotein analysis.

A patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura developed after splenectomy a thrombasthenia-like severe haemorrhagic diathesis characterized by a normal or subnormal platelet count, prolonged bleeding time, strongly reduced platelet adhesion to glass and defective platelet aggregation in response to ADP and collagen. In contrast to hereditary thrombasthenia membrane glycoproteins (GP) IIb and IIIa were normally present in the patient's platelets. Immunoelectrophoretic analysis revealed an abnormal behaviour of the patient's GP IIb-IIIa complex. Autoantibodies against GP IIb-IIIa were detected in Triton-extracted washed platelets. Incubation of normal platelets with plasma from the patient resulted in a similar immunoelectrophoretic abnormality of the GP IIb-IIIa complex indicating that bound autoantibodies (IgG) are responsible for the abnormal immunoelectrophoretic behaviour of the patient's GP IIb-IIIa complex. Platelet fibrinogen was severely reduced similar to classical thrombasthenia suggesting that the GP IIb-IIIa complex is involved in platelet fibrinogen storage.

Autoantibodies

Characterisation of whole-blood extrachromosomal circular DNAs in Kawasaki disease complicated by coronary artery aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Extrachromosomal circular DNAs are critical regulators of stress responses, immunity, and inflammation pathways. However, their role and underlying mechanisms in Kawasaki disease complicated by coronary artery aneurysm remain poorly understood. METHODS: Whole blood samples from six children with Kawasaki disease, including three with coronary artery aneurysm group and three without coronary artery aneurysm (control group), were subjected to extrachromosomal circular DNA sequencing. Putative extrachromosomal circular DNAs were identified using Circle-Map. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on genes associated with upregulated extrachromosomal circular DNAs, and an exploratory immune-signature profiling was performed using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm. RESULTS: We identified 4,790 differential extrachromosomal circular DNAs between the coronary artery aneurysm and control groups, of which 4,789 were upregulated in the CAA group. The extrachromosomal circular DNAs in the coronary artery aneurysm group were more concentrated and shorter in length than those in the control group. Upregulated extrachromosomal circular DNAs were mainly derived from autosomes, particularly chromosomes 3, 4, and 7. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that genes associated with upregulated extrachromosomal circular DNAs were mainly involved in response to stimulus-related terms and pathways, including chemokine signalling, cGMP-PKG signalling, and calcium signalling. Immune-signature analysis suggested that the coronary artery aneurysm group exhibited more specific immune responses, whereas the control group tended towards broader immune regulatory processes. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery aneurysm and control groups exhibited distinct extrachromosomal circular DNA profiles. These findings suggest that extrachromosomal circular DNA alterations are associated with coronary artery aneurysm in Kawasaki disease and may provide new insights into the molecular features underlying this condition.

Coronary artery aneurysm

Shared genetic architecture and cellular convergence between female reproductive disorders and pulmonary function: a genome-wide cross-trait analysis.

Female reproductive disorders (FRDs), including polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine leiomyomata, and infertility, have been epidemiologically associated with impaired pulmonary function. However, it remains unclear whether this cross-organ link reflects shared genetic etiology and, if so, which cellular mechanisms mediate it. We performed a systematic genome-wide cross-trait analysis of three FRDs and lung function traits (FEV&#x2081;, FVC, FEV&#x2081;/FVC) using GWAS summary statistics from individuals of European ancestry, integrating genetic correlation, bidirectional causal inference, pleiotropy mapping, and single-cell enrichment analyses. We identified significant negative genetic correlations between FRDs and lung volume traits, most prominently for FVC (rg range: -&#x2009;0.077 to -&#x2009;0.178). Bidirectional causal analyses indicated that FRDs have a detrimental effect on lung volume, with higher FRD genetic liability associated with reduced lung volume. Cross-trait meta-analysis identified 17 pleiotropic variants across 11 loci, with the 19q13.2 (LTBP4) and 12q13.13 (HOXC6/HOXC9) loci showing strong evidence of shared causal variants. Critically, single-cell analyses revealed that shared genetic risk converged on mesenchymal lineages across organs, specifically alveolar adventitial fibroblasts in the lung and stromal/smooth muscle cells in the endometrium. Transcriptome-wide analyses further nominated the estrogen-responsive gene RERG as a convergent gene linking these conditions with lung function. Our study revealed a shared genetic architecture between female reproductive disorders and lung function traits, providing a basis for further mechanistic investigations and potential clinical evaluation. Furthermore, our findings suggest that shared fibroproliferative and hormone-responsive pathways may offer insights into the biological mechanisms underlying these conditions.

Female

RECQL correlates with immune infiltration and serves as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic predictor in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: RecQ-like helicase (RECQL), a member of the RecQ-like DNA helicase family, plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability. However, its relevance in gastric cancer (GC) has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to explore the clinical significance, biological functions, and potential role of RECQL in the tumor immune microenvironment of GC through comprehensive bioinformatics analyses and in vitro experiments. METHODS: Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differential expression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were performed using public datasets [The Cancer Genome Atlas Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD), GSE150290] to identify key genes associated with GC progression. Subsequently, key pathways were identified through functional enrichment analysis, while immune infiltration and spatial transcriptomic analyses were conducted to characterize RECQL expression and its association with the tumor immune microenvironment. Finally, the effects of RECQL knockdown on the biological function of GC cells were assessed through Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, scratch, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. RESULTS: RECQL was significantly upregulated in GC tissues and correlated with advanced clinical stage and poor prognosis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed a strong association between high RECQL expression and DNA repair pathway. Immune infiltration analysis indicated significant enrichment of M2 macrophages in the high-RECQL group, along with upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules including PDCD1, CTLA4, and CD274. Spatial transcriptomics further demonstrated co-localization of RECQL with myeloid cell-enriched regions in tumor parenchymal areas. Furthermore, in vitro experimental results indicated that RECQL was highly expressed in GC cell lines, and its knockdown effectively inhibited the viability, proliferation, and migration capabilities of HGC-27 cells, while enhancing their apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: RECQL serves as a promising biomarker and potential therapeutic target in GC.

DNA repair

Possible linking and treatment between Parkinson's disease and inflammatory bowel disease: a study of Mendelian randomization based on gut-brain axis.

BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence suggests that Parkinson's disease (PD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are closely associated and becoming global health burdens. However, the causal relationships and common pathogeneses between them are uncertain. Furthermore, they are uncurable. Thus, we aimed to identify the causal relationships and novel therapeutic targets shared between them based on their common pathophysiological mechanisms in gut-brain-axis (GBA). METHODS: A meta-analysis on bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) utilizing various datasets was performed to estimate their causal relationship. Then, pleiotropic analysis under the composite null hypothesis (PLACO) with functional mapping combined with annotation of genetic associations (FUMA) analysis were conducted to identify pleiotropic genes. Next, blood, brain and intestine expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) were taken to perform drug-target MR finding common causal genes in two diseases. Colocalization analysis ensured the eQTLs of corresponding gene colocalized with disease. Enrichment analysis and protein&#x2012;protein interaction (PPI) network were done to explore common pathogenesis pathways. Genes passed all analysis were regarded as drug targets. RESULTS: Our MR meta-analysis revealed the bidirectional causal relationship between diseases, with combined ORs for PD on IBD, CD, UC (1.050 [95% CI 1.014-1.086], 1.044 [95% CI 0.995-1.095], 1.063 [95% CI 1.016-1.120]); for IBD, CD, UC on PD (1.003 [95% CI 0.973-1.034], 1.035 [95% CI 1.004-1.067], 1.008 [95% CI 0.977-1.040]). Overall, 277, 216 and 201 genes were identified as pleiotropic genes between PD and IBD, CD, UC. Total of 733 genes were classified as tier 3 (found in only one tissue) druggable targets, 57 as tier 2 (found in two tissues, 51 protein-coding genes) and 9 as tier 3 (found in three tissues). Among 60 protein-coding druggable targets over tier 2, 18 overlapped with pleiotropic genes and enriched in mitochondria, antigen presentation, processing and immune cell regulation pathways. Three druggable genes (LRRK2, RAB29 and HLA-DQA2) passed colocalization analysis. LRRK2 and RAB29 were reported to be pleiotropic genes, and RAB29 and HLA-DQA2 were reported for the first time as potential drug targets. CONCLUSIONS: This study established a reliable causal relationship, possible shared drug targets and common pathogenesis pathways of two diseases, which had important implications for intervention and treatment of two diseases simultaneously.

Humans

Tumor cell lysis by activated human neutrophils: analysis of neutrophil-delivered oxidative attack and role of leukocyte function-associated antigen 1.

The lysis of tumor cells, and other nucleated mammalian cells, by neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) triggered by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) represents a widely used model system to dissect the PMN cytolytic armamentarium, potentially responsible for the cell damage at tissue sites of PMN activation. Although oxidants are generally considered to be instrumental in the target lysis by PMNs, the mediators actually involved remain a matter of controversy. Moreover, other factors potentially crucial to the lysis have not been clearly identified. In order to reexamine the determinants of the cytolytic process, we studied the events underlying the PMA-triggered PMN-delivered attack against two different targets, selected on the basis of preliminary experiments (B lymphoblastoid Daudi cells and erythroleukemic K 562 cells). The results suggest that the lysis is promoted by hypochlorous acid (HOCl) or a compound with characteristics very similar to HOCl itself. No evidence was obtained for the intervention or contribution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl (OH.) radicals, and the major HOCl-derived chloramines. PMNs appeared to use 35% of the generated H2O2 to produce HOCl, while the remainder appears to be consumed by PMNs themselves and target cells as well. Moreover, PMNs and target cells coaggregated at an early step of the cytolytic reaction, through a process efficiently prevented by a monoclonal antibody (MoAb J-90) directed against leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1). The inhibition of the PMN-target aggregation by the MoAb J-90 resulted in the impairment of the lysis, despite a normal generation of HOCl. Thus, the data demonstrate that the PMA-triggered lysis of tumor target cells by PMNs requires at least two events, occurring simultaneously: the LFA-1-mediated effector-target adherence and the PMN production of HOCl. The intervention of the LFA-1-mediated PMN-target adherence in the PMA-triggered lysis is likely to allow PMNs to focus HOCl on the target cell surface and suggests that the process requires a sort of molecule to molecule recognition at the effector-target surface level.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Molecular profiling of coronary stent testenosis: A systematic review and functional analysis of implicated genes.

BACKGROUND: Coronary stent restenosis occurs in approximately 5% of patients treated with drug-eluting stents (DES) and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying restenosis may support precision medicine approaches to improve patient management.This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on genes and biological pathways associated with DES-related restenosis and to perform functional analysis of the implicated genes using bioinformatics tools. METHODS: The review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed for human studies investigating genetic or genomic factors in coronary restenosis, with the last search conducted in March 2024. Eligibility criteria included original studies reporting genetic associations with DES restenosis. Screening and data extraction were performed by a single reviewer. Identified genes underwent gene set enrichment analysis using Enrichr (Ma'ayan Laboratory, Computational Systems Biology) and ClueGo extension on Cytoscape (National Resource for Network Biology). RESULTS: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies highlighted multiple genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammatory signaling, and the renin-angiotensin system. Gene enrichment analysis confirmed the overrepresentation of these biological pathways in DES-associated restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review synthesizes the genetic and molecular contributors to DES-associated restenosis and identifies potential targets for future research and personalized therapies. No external funding was received, and the protocol was not registered.

Humans

Pangenomes of human gut microbiota uncover links between genetic diversity and stress response.

The genetic diversity of the gut microbiota has a central role in host health. Here, we created pangenomes for 728 human gut prokaryotic species, quadrupling the genes of strain-specific genomes. Each of these species has a core set of a thousand genes, differing even between closely related species, and an accessory set of genes unique to the different strains. Functional analysis shows high strain variability associates with sporulation, whereas low variability is linked with antibiotic resistance. We further map the antibiotic resistome across the human gut population and find 237 cases of extreme resistance even to last-resort antibiotics, with a predominance among Enterobacteriaceae. Lastly, the presence of specific genes in the microbiota relates to host age and sex. Our study underscores the genetic complexity of the human gut microbiota, emphasizing its significant implications for host health. The pangenomes and antibiotic resistance map constitute a valuable resource for further research.

Humans

Early Reperfusion in Basilar Artery Occlusion Stroke Managed With Tenecteplase Versus Alteplase Before Endovascular Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Timely reperfusion is a critical determinant of favorable outcomes in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) stroke. We aimed to examine whether the choice of thrombolytic agent predicts early reperfusion (ER) in BAO stroke managed with tenecteplase versus alteplase before endovascular treatment. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter US cohort of consecutive patients with BAO from 14 stroke centers treated with tenecteplase or alteplase within 4.5 hours of last known well before endovascular treatment. The primary end point was ER, defined as angiographic ER (expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2b to 3 on the first diagnostic angiogram), or clinical ER, defined as substantial neurological improvement precluding endovascular treatment and a good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-3). RESULTS: Among 163 patients with BAO and a median last known well-to-needle time of 135 minutes (interquartile range, 100-193) and last known well-to-puncture time of 228 minutes (interquartile range, 166-307), ER was observed in 27 (16.6%) patients. Rates of ER were comparable between tenecteplase (14/75, 18.7%) and alteplase (13/88, 14.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.082 [95% CI, 0.444-2.631]; P=0.862). In addition, rates of angiographic ER and clinical ER subgroups did not differ between thrombolytic agents. Higher Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography scores and a nonatherothrombotic cause independently predicted ER. In multivariable analysis, a good functional outcome was associated with younger age, lower stroke burden, and shorter last known well-to-puncture time. CONCLUSIONS: In BAO treated within 4.5 hours of last known well, tenecteplase and alteplase produced comparable early reperfusion rates. Achieving ER did not modify the association between thrombolytic agent and good functional outcome, consistent with rapid thrombectomy in patients with no ER.

basilar artery

[Transthoracic and transesophageal comparative echocardiography in mitral valve prolapse].

OBJECTIVE: Transthoracic and transesophageal comparative analysis of functional and morphological abnormalities associated to idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (MVP). DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Outpatients with MVP diagnosis referred to echocardiographic laboratory of Cardiology Institute in Madrid, Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In each case we analyzed by TTE and TEE, anterior, posterior and double localization of MVP, number of prolapsed mitral leaflets/patient, total area of MVP to mitral valve plane, mitral annulus diameter, total area and spatial distribution of mitral regurgitation. RESULTS: TEE diagnosed a greater number of prolapsed mitral leaflets and a greater percentage of double (80%) MVP. MPV area by TEE (50 +/- 31 mm2) was considerably larger (96 +/- 30 mm2) than TTE MVP area (50 +/- 31 mm3. Associated mitral valve regurgitation area calculated through TEE was larger (558 +/- 502 mm2) than the same parameter evaluated by TTE (450 +/- 515 mm2). CONCLUSIONS: TEE is an efficient technique in MVP non invasive diagnosis and particularly sensitive to posterior MVP. Our data could be helpful in MVP cases scheduled for mitral valve repairment.

Adolescent

[Relationship between the activity of the kallikrein, plasmin and thrombin systems of the blood during intense physical exertion].

The authors studied the changes in the level of precursors of kallikrein, plasmine, and their inhibitors with the aid of a complex method. Blood plasma of sportsmen was examined--of healthy persons and of those with the syndrome of myocardial overstraining under conditions of rest and intensive bicycle ergometric exercises. The results obtained and correlation analysis data pointed to the functional association of the "Hageman's factor system". Sportsmen with the overstrain syndrome displayed an aggravation of the functional possibilities of humoral systems of the hemovascular regulation, this being expressed in a reduced level of the proenzymatic activity and a reduction of the inhibitor values. Correlation of the mentioned indices was disturbed both at rest and during the exercises.

Adult

Human periodontal ligament stem cells promote oral ulcer healing in rats through modulation of TGF-&#x3b2;1/smad signaling.

BACKGROUND: Oral ulcers (OU) often present with prolonged healing, recurrent episodes, and scar formation, posing challenges for clinical management. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) have shown potential in oral tissue repair, but further research is needed to clarify their mechanism of action in OU healing. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which hPDLSCs promote oral ulcer healing. METHOD: To identify key regulatory genes, the OU-associated microarray dataset GSE37265 was integrated with hPDLSC genomic data for differential expression analysis. Subsequently, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify functional modules associated with OU healing. In vivo, hPDLSCs were locally administered into a rat ulcer model, and therapeutic efficacy was assessed by ulcer closure rates and histological evaluation (HE and Masson's trichrome staining). Furthermore, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on oral mucosal tissues to delineate the underlying molecular landscape and critical signaling pathways. The involvement of the TGF-&#x3b2; signaling pathway was confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting (WB) analyses. RESULTS: Bioinformatics analysis identified 92 key genes in hPDLSCs-mediated treatment of OU, highlighting the central role of the TGF-&#x3b2;1/Smad pathway. As shown by the animal studies, hPDLSCs therapy increased the healing rate to 97% by day 8 (vs. 70% in the model). Furthermore, the therapy significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and abnormal collagen deposition while promoting regular collagen arrangement. Transcriptomic and molecular experiments further showed that hPDLSCs simultaneously inhibit TGF-&#x3b2;1/Smad and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways, thereby alleviating inflammatory responses and suppressing mucosal fibrosis. CONCLUSION: In this study, we reveal a novel role for hPDLSCs in promoting oral ulcer healing. The findings indicate that hPDLSCs suppress inflammation and fibrosis via the TGF-&#x3b2;1/Smad pathway, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for OU and other fibrotic conditions.

TGF-&#x3b2;1