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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are key organic pollutants in the environment that pose threats to the ecosystem and human health. The degradation of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs by enriched bacterial consortia has been previously studied, while the involved metabolisms and microbial communities are still unclear and warrant further investigations. In this study, five bacterial consortia capable of utilizing different PAHs (naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene) as the sole carbon and energy sources were enriched from PAH-contaminated soil samples. Among the five consortia, consortium TC exhibited the highest pyrene degradation efficiency (91%) after 19 d of incubation. The degradation efficiency was further enhanced up to 99% by supplementing yeast extract. Besides, consortium TC showed tolerances to high concentrations of pyrene (up to 1000 mg/L) and different heavy metal stresses (including Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+). The dominant genus in consortium TC, GS, and PL showing relatively higher degradation efficiency for anthracene and pyrene was Pseudomonas, whereas consortium PG and GD were predominated by genus Achromobacter and class Enterobacteriaceae, respectively. Consortium TC, as a highly efficient HMW PAH-degrading consortium, could be applied for synergistic biodegradation of HMW PAHs and in situ bioremediation of the sites contaminated with both PAHs and heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to assess the effects of gametogenetin‐binding protein 2 (GGNBP2) on the proliferation, invasion and migration of prostate cancer PC‐3 cells. PcDNA3‐HisC‐GGNBP2 was transfected to overexpress GGNBP2. Proliferation was tested by MTT assay, and migration and invasion were detected by Transwell assay. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. The protein expressions of COX‐2, cyclin D1, PI3K, Akt and p‐Akt were detected by Western blot. A subcutaneous xenograft model of prostate cancer was established. Mice were randomly divided into three groups (n = 9) and intratumorally injected with pcDNA3‐HisC‐GGNBP2, pcDNA3‐HisC and normal saline respectively. The xenograft tumour volume was measured every 3 days, and weight was measured after 2 weeks. After GGNBP2 overexpression, the proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of PC‐3 cells decreased, and cell cycle was arrested in the G1 phase. The protein expressions of COX‐2, cyclin D1, PI3K, Akt and p‐Akt all reduced. The tumour volume and weight of pcDNA3‐HisC‐GGNBP2 group were significantly lower than those of pcDNA3‐HisC group (p <.05). The proliferation capacity of GGNBP2‐overexpressing prostate cancer cells is significantly attenuated, tumour growth is significantly inhibited, and cell cycle is arrested in the G1 phase. GGNBP2 overexpression affects the growth of castration‐resistant prostate cancer via the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liuweidihuang Pill (LP) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula that is often used in clinical practice to treat kidney deficiency syndrome. The present study investigated the antiaging effects of LP in a D-galactose- (D-Gal-) induced subacute aging rat model. The study also attempted to explore whether anti-inflammatory mechanisms that underpin the antiaging effects are mediated by the AMPK/SIRT1/NF- κ B signaling pathway. Rats were subcutaneously injected with D-Gal at a dosage of 100 mg/kg/d for 8 weeks. Upon successful induction of aging in the rats, the animal was administered LP at 0.9 g/kg/d by gavage for 4 weeks. Proteins of the testis were subsequently examined by western blot analysis, and associated locations in the testicular tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry. We observed that LP exerted antiaging effects in aging rats following the activation of AMPK/SIRT1. It was also observed that LP inhibited the expression of NF- κ B, thereby further attenuating inflammation of the testis. Therefore, LP can alleviate inflammation of the testis via the AMPK/SIRT1/NF- κ B pathway in aging rats., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Yuxin Wang et al.)