Search

Abstract H3K27ac has been widely recognized as a representative epigenetic marker of active enhancer, while its regulatory mechanisms in pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remain elusive. Here, a genome‐wide comparative study on H3K27ac activities and transcriptome profiling in high fat diet (HFD)‐induced MASLD model is performed. A significantly enhanced H3K27ac density with abundant alterations of regulatory transcriptome is observed in MASLD rats. Based on integrative analysis of ChIP‐Seq and RNA‐Seq, TDO2 is identified as a critical contributor for abnormal lipid accumulation, transcriptionally activated by YY1‐promoted H3K27ac. Furthermore, TDO2 depletion effectively protects against hepatic steatosis. In terms of mechanisms, TDO2 activates NF‐κB pathway to promote macrophages M1 polarization, representing a crucial event in MASLD progression. A bovine serum albumin nanoparticle is fabricated to provide sustained release of Allopurinol (NPs‐Allo) for TDO2 inhibition, possessing excellent biocompatibility and desired targeting capacity. Venous injection of NPs‐Allo robustly alleviates HFD‐induced metabolic disorders. This study reveals the pivotal role of TDO2 and its underlying mechanisms in pathogenesis of MASLD epigenetically and genetically. Targeting H3K27ac‐TDO2‐NF‐κB axis may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of abnormal lipid accumulation and pave the way for developing novel strategies for MASLD prevention and treatment.

Objective Rare study of the non-coding and regulatory regions of the genome limits our ability to decode the mechanisms of fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS) in chickens. Methods Herein, we constructed the high-fat diet-induced FLHS chicken model to investigate the genome-wide active enhancers and transcriptome by H3K27ac target chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) profiles of normal and FLHS liver tissues. Concurrently, an integrative analysis combining ChIP-seq with RNA-Seq and a comparative analysis with chicken FLHS, rat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and human NAFLD at the transcriptome level revealed the enhancer and super enhancer target genes and conservative genes involved in metabolic processes. Results In total, 56 and 199 peak-genes were identified in upregulated peak-genes positively regulated by H3K27ac (Cor (peak-gene correlation) ≥0.5 and log2(FoldChange) ≥1) (PP) and downregulated peak-genes positively regulated by H3K27ac (Cor (peak-gene correlation) ≥0.5 and log2(FoldChange)≤−1) (PN), respectively; then we screened key regulatory targets mainly distributing in lipid metabolism (PCK1, APOA4, APOA1, INHBE) and apoptosis (KIT, NTRK2) together with MAPK and PPAR signaling pathway in FLHS. Intriguingly, PCK1 was also significantly covered in up-regulated super-enhancers (SEs), which further implied the vital role of PCK1 during the development of FLHS. Conclusion Together, our studies have identified potential therapeutic biomarkers of PCK1 and elucidated novel insights into the pathogenesis of FLHS, especially for the epigenetic perspective.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a stress-induced liver injury related to heredity, environmental exposure and the gut microbiome metabolism. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the metabolites of gut microbiota (GM), participate in the regulation of hepatic steatosis and inflammation through the gut-liver axis, which play an important role in the alleviation of NAFLD. However, little progress has been made in systematically elucidating the mechanism of how SCFAs improve NAFLD, especially the epigenetic mechanisms and the potential therapeutic application as clinical treatment for NAFLD. Herein, we adopted PubMed and Medline to search relevant keywords such as ‘SCFAs’, ‘NAFLD’, ‘gut microbiota’, ‘Epigenetic’, ‘diet’, and ‘prebiotic effect’ to review the latest research on SCFAs in NAFLD up to November 2023. In this review, firstly, we specifically discussed the production and function of SCFAs, as well as their crosstalk coordination in the gut liver axis. Secondly, we provided an updated summary and intensive discussion of how SCFAs affect hepatic steatosis to alleviate NAFLD from the perspective of genetic and epigenetic. Thirdly, we paid attention to the pharmacological and physiological characteristics of SCFAs, and proposed a promising future direction to adopt SCFAs alone or in combination with prebiotics and related clinical drugs to prevent and treat NAFLD. Together, this review aimed to elucidate the function of SCFAs and provide new insights to the prospects of SCFAs as a therapeutic target for NAFLD.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing every year. Medications are currently the most common therapy for T2DM. However, these medications have certain adverse effects. In order to find safe and effective ways to improve this disease, researchers have discovered that some natural products can decrease blood sugar. Flavonoids are one of the most essential low molecular weight phenolic chemicals in the plant world, which widely exist in plant roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. They possess a variety of biological activities, including organ protection, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Some natural flavonoids ameliorate T2DM and its complications through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory action, glucose and lipid metabolism regulation, insulin resistance management, etc. Hence, this review aims at demonstrating the potential benefits of flavonoids in T2DM and its complications. This laid the foundation for the development of novel hypoglycemic medications from flavonoids.

Abstract Background Perioperative newly developed left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus is a rare but extremely challenging event for anesthesia management. It’s important to identify and diagnose thrombosis in high-risk populations promptly. Case presentation In the case of an elderly patient with atrial fibrillation undergoing non-cardiac surgery, we recorded the findings before and after thrombosis during the operation using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Through timely detection of the thrombus and proactive management, a satisfactory therapeutic effect was ultimately achieved. Conclusions Clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of LAA clot formation during surgery, even if it was not detected preoperatively. And TEE is valuable for monitoring newly developed perioperative thrombosis.

The term ''ghost'' refers to residual fibrous tissue that remains within the cardiovascular system following the removal of implanted device leads. In this case, a 75-year-old male underwent a transvenous lead extraction procedure prompted by an infection. After the procedure, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a stable ''ghost'' in the right atrium. Figures and videos dynamically depicted the ghost's morphology, clearly showing that one end of this spectral entity was firmly attached to the atrial wall, while the other end displayed unrestrained mobility within the bloodstream. After undergoing a thorough evaluation that confirmed the benign nature of the ''ghost'', there was evidently no need for medical intervention. In summary, the article portrayed a rare yet intriguing ''ghost'' observed during the perioperative period. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the crucial significance of accurately distinguishing between these ''ghosts'' and genuinely pathological structures. Such differentiation holds immense importance in preventing unnecessary medical interventions.

Anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the descending aorta is an extremely rare congenital malformation. There were merely four case reports of such malformation in previous literature, and all four cases underwent surgical repair in their first year of life. Actually, long-term pulmonary arterial hypertension and irreversible pulmonary vascular changes make anesthesia management quite a challenge, while anesthesia for managing these cases has not been discussed before. We present a 15-year-old boy undergoing corrective surgery and try to provide some tips on anesthesia management for this surgical procedure. Through optimal perioperative management, successful outcomes can be achieved for this malformation.