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15 pages, 1409 KiB  
Article
Construction of a Bin Genetic Map and QTL Mapping of Red Skin in Interspecific Pear Population
by Xiaojie Zhang, Mengyue Tang, Jianying Peng, Hui Ma and Yuxing Zhang
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 994; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080994 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Red epicarp in pears is an important trait for breeding. Exploring the genes regulating pear anthocyanin synthesis and developing molecular markers associated with these traits are important for obtaining new varieties of red pears. We performed whole-genome resequencing (WGS) on 127 ‘Yuluxiang ( [...] Read more.
Red epicarp in pears is an important trait for breeding. Exploring the genes regulating pear anthocyanin synthesis and developing molecular markers associated with these traits are important for obtaining new varieties of red pears. We performed whole-genome resequencing (WGS) on 127 ‘Yuluxiang (Pyrus bretschneideri)’ × ‘Xianghongli (Pyrus communis)’ F1 populations and identified a total of 510,179 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites in the population. In total, 1972 bins were screened to form a high-density genetic map with a total map length of 815.507 cM, covering 17 linkage groups with an average genetic distance of 0.414 cM between markers. Three red skin quantitative trait loci (QTLs), located on LG4 and LG5, that explained 18.7% of the phenotypic variance, were detected. The QTL intervals contained 1658 genes, including 94 transcription factors (TF), subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Four key candidate genes (Pspp.Chr05.01969, Pspp.Chr05.01908, Pspp.Chr05.02419, and Pspp. Chr04.01087) that may play a role in promoting pear anthocyanin synthesis were screened and identified by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Overall, our study deepens our understanding of the genetics of red peel traits in pears and accelerates pear breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Color Formation and Regulation in Horticultural Plants)
22 pages, 1205 KiB  
Article
Transcriptome Screening and Identification of Chemosensory Genes in the Goji Berry Psyllid, Bactericera gobica (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)
by Zhanghui Liu, Yang Ge, Zekun Zhang, Jiayi Liang, Chuanzhi Kang, Chengcai Zhang, Kang Chen, Xiufu Wan, Liu Zhang, Wangpeng Shi and Honghao Chen
Biology 2025, 14(8), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081105 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Goji berry is widely consumed worldwide and holds substantial market value, yet its cultivation faces significant threats from the goji berry psyllid (Bactericera gobica). Chemosensory-related genes play critical roles in regulating insect behaviors, which makes them key molecular targets for the [...] Read more.
Goji berry is widely consumed worldwide and holds substantial market value, yet its cultivation faces significant threats from the goji berry psyllid (Bactericera gobica). Chemosensory-related genes play critical roles in regulating insect behaviors, which makes them key molecular targets for the development of environmentally friendly pest control strategies. However, chemosensory genes in B. gobica have not been previously identified or characterized. In this study, we sequenced transcriptomes from the antennae and body tissues of male and female B. gobica and annotated genes associated with chemosensory functions. We identified 15 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 18 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 3 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), 26 odorant receptors (ORs), 8 gustatory receptors (GRs), and 32 ionotropic receptors (IRs). Transcriptome data and a quantitative real-time PCR confirmed the tissue-specific expression patterns of these genes, with several genes, including three BgobOBPs, eight BgobCSPs, one BgobOR, two BgobGRs, and two BgobIR, highly expressed in the antennae, suggesting their role in olfactory recognition. BgobGR1 was most highly expressed among GRs, indicating its important role in gustatory perception. We also identified gene BgobGR5 with differential expression patterns between females and males. Our study represents the first characterization of chemosensory genes in a Bactericera species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Morphology and Sensorimotor Systems of Insect Antennae)
22 pages, 11866 KiB  
Article
Study on the Mechanism of RuHaoDaShi Granules in Treating H1N1 Viral Pneumonia Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
by Aixin Chen, Tianhang Chen, Yu He, Jiehong Yang and Haitong Wan
Pathogens 2025, 14(8), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080834 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to investigate the pharmacodynamic effects and underlying mechanisms of the Chinese herbal formula RuHaoDaShi (RHDS) granules against the influenza virus in experimental models. Methods: This study aims to employ network pharmacology to identify the active components of RHDS and [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the pharmacodynamic effects and underlying mechanisms of the Chinese herbal formula RuHaoDaShi (RHDS) granules against the influenza virus in experimental models. Methods: This study aims to employ network pharmacology to identify the active components of RHDS and its potential targets and mechanisms of action against H1N1. The molecular docking approach validated the interactions between the core targets and the RHDS compounds. In vitro, the antiviral activity of RHDS was assessed by therapeutic, prophylactic, and premixed administration to H1N1-infected A549 cells. An in vivo experiment was conducted using a mouse H1N1 pneumonia model. The model was treated with a dose of 1.04, 2.08, and 4.16 g/kg of RHDS, administered via gavage daily. The study’s objective was to evaluate the antiviral activity and mechanism of action of RHDS in mice. Mice were evaluated on day 6 by assessing survival, viral load (RT-qPCR), lung pathology (HE staining), inflammatory cytokines (ELISA, immunohistochemistry), and ferroptosis markers (WB, qPCR). Results: Network pharmacology identified 77 biologically active RHDS compounds (e.g., quercetin and kaempferol) and 32 core targets common to RHDS, H1N1, and ferroptosis. Molecular docking was used to verify a high affinity for binding between the core targets HIF-1α, MAPK3, and key RHDS compounds. In vitro studies demonstrated that RHDS exhibited protective properties against H1N1-infected cells, with the therapeutic delivery method proving the most efficacious. In vivo studies have shown that RHDS reduces mortality, lung index, and viral load in mice while attenuating histopathological damage. The study demonstrated a reduction in the release of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-17A, and decreased expression levels of MPO and F4/80 proteins in lung tissue. Mechanistically, the administration of RHDS resulted in the up-regulation of the expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, and Nrf2 proteins while concomitantly inhibiting the expression of HIF-1α, COX2, and ACSL4. These findings confirm the modulatory effect of RHDS on the GPX4/SLC7A11/Nrf2 pathway. Conclusions: RHDS demonstrated a protective effect against H1N1-induced cytopathy in vitro and was effective in attenuating H1N1-induced pneumonia in murine models. The study suggests that RHDS has antiviral potential to treat H1N1 viral pneumonia by modulating inflammatory cytokines and the GPX4/SLC7A11/Nrf2 pathway. Full article
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11 pages, 386 KiB  
Article
Transcriptional Regulation of CYP2E1: Promoter Methylation in In Vitro Models and Human Liver Disease Samples
by Nina Komaniecka, Mateusz Kurzawski, Sylwia Szeląg-Pieniek, Joanna Łapczuk-Romańska, Mariola Post, Urszula Adamiak-Giera and Marek Droździk
Genes 2025, 16(8), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16080990 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic mechanism involved in gene expression regulation. This study examines promoter methylation of CYP2E1 in healthy liver, intestinal mucosa, as well as pathological liver samples, alongside in in vitro cell models. Methods: First, in tissue samples from [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic mechanism involved in gene expression regulation. This study examines promoter methylation of CYP2E1 in healthy liver, intestinal mucosa, as well as pathological liver samples, alongside in in vitro cell models. Methods: First, in tissue samples from the liver, duodenum, jejunum, and colon of healthy organ donors, CYP2E1 promoter methylation was quantified using the EpiTect Methyl II PCR System, while gene expression was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Then, in vitro experiments were performed using HepG2 and Caco-2 cell lines. Cells were treated with 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine to induce demethylation, with subsequent analysis of CYP2E1 mRNA levels. Subsequently, promoter methylation was assessed via pyrosequencing, while gene expression was quantified using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the methylation patterns of the CYP2E1 promoter between healthy liver and gastrointestinal tissues. In cell lines, treatment with 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine resulted in increased CYP2E1 mRNA levels and demonstrated a strong negative correlation between promoter methylation and gene expression. However, in liver disease samples, differential methylation did not consistently translate into decreased CYP2E1 expression. Conclusions: Although in vitro experiments support a regulatory role of promoter methylation in controlling CYP2E1 expression, the clinical data indicate that additional factors may contribute to gene regulation in liver pathology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epigenomics)
12 pages, 354 KiB  
Article
Identification of Non-Invasive Diagnostic Markers for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through Salivary Microbiome and Gene Expression Analysis
by Mitsuhiro Hishida, Kosuke Nomoto, Kengo Hashimoto, Sei Ueda and Shuji Nomoto
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168104 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignancy with a poor prognosis, and early diagnosis is essential for improving patient survival and quality of life. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive screening method based on salivary gene expression and microbiome analysis. Unstimulated [...] Read more.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignancy with a poor prognosis, and early diagnosis is essential for improving patient survival and quality of life. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive screening method based on salivary gene expression and microbiome analysis. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from patients with OSCC, patients with oral potentially malignant disorders, and healthy controls. Microbiome profiling was performed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The OSCC group showed a significant increase in Fusobacterium and Bacteroidetes and a decrease in Streptococcus. LEfSe analysis indicated microbial changes associated with disease progression. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy when multiple bacterial species were combined. An increase in Fusobacteria was also associated with a higher risk of recurrence. Gene expression analysis revealed that NUS1, RCN1, CPLANE1, and CCL20 were significantly upregulated in OSCC, as confirmed by qRT-PCR and tissue expression data. Notably, CCL20 expression positively correlated with Fusobacterium abundance. These findings suggest that integrated analysis of the salivary microbiome and gene expression may offer a useful non-invasive approach for early OSCC detection and disease monitoring. Furthermore, we integrated current evidence from the literature to provide a comprehensive overview. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiome Stability in Health and Disease)
10 pages, 851 KiB  
Article
Introduction and Spatial–Temporal Distribution of Oropouche Virus in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
by Fábio Burack da Costa, Andrea Cony Cavalcanti, Rafael Santos Erbisti, Vanessa Zaquieu Dias, Cristiane Gomes de Castro Moreira, Mateus Marques Grifo, Maria Carmelita dos Santos Vaz, Adriana Cardoso Camargo, Leandro Magalhães de Souza, Flávia Barreto dos Santos, Mário Sérgio Ribeiro, Viviana Malirat, Nildimar Alves Honório and Renata Campos Azevedo
Pathogens 2025, 14(8), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080833 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
The Oropouche virus (OROV) has been circulating in the Amazon region since the 1960s, with a progressive increase in outbreaks and human cases reported in Brazil and neighboring countries. In the Rio de Janeiro state, there has been a significant rise in suspected [...] Read more.
The Oropouche virus (OROV) has been circulating in the Amazon region since the 1960s, with a progressive increase in outbreaks and human cases reported in Brazil and neighboring countries. In the Rio de Janeiro state, there has been a significant rise in suspected cases of arboviruses, with only 30% of laboratory tests confirming infections with dengue, Zika, or chikungunya viruses. The investigation of OROV virus circulation in the Rio de Janeiro state was initiated and confirmed in April 2024. Our study aimed to retrospectively investigate OROV infections in dengue-suspected cases with inconclusive diagnosis in order to better understand the temporal and geographic introduction of OROV in the Rio de Janeiro state. Municipalities from Rio de Janeiro with arbovirus-like fever cases but a low percentage of dengue-positive RT-PCR test confirmations were identified in the laboratory database. Samples were selected for testing OROV infections using real-time RT-PCR as recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Municipalities in the Middle Paraíba region of the state showed 93% negative tests results for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya starting in September 2023. A total of 118 positive cases of Oropouche were recorded in the state of Rio de Janeiro between March and July 2024. Moreover, by genome sequencing of eight strains, it was shown that OROV circulating in Rio de Janeiro belongs to recently emergent M1L2S2 lineage. Our findings retrospectively revealed a concentration of cases in the Middle Paraíba region and an outbreak in the rural village of Cacaria, located in the municipality of Piraí. According to our data, this region is the first area with sustained transmission in the Rio de Janeiro state. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Arboviruses: Epidemiology, Control, and Future Directions)
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14 pages, 1799 KiB  
Article
Genotype Frequency of HLA-B*58:01 and Its Association with Paraclinical Characteristics and PSORS1C1 rs9263726 in Gout Patients
by Hien Thu Nguyen, Ha Thi Bui, Yen Thi Thu Hoang, My Ha Hoang, Manh Duc Ngo, Mai Hoang Nguyen, Thuy Thi Thanh Nguyen, Nhuan Tien Ngo and Quang Viet Nguyen
Diagnostics 2025, 15(16), 2114; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15162114 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The HLA-B*58:01 allele is strongly linked to severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) during allopurinol treatment, and it has been associated with the A allele of PSORS1C1 rs9263726 (G>A). Paraclinical characteristics of gout are indicative of associated comorbid conditions. This study investigated the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The HLA-B*58:01 allele is strongly linked to severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) during allopurinol treatment, and it has been associated with the A allele of PSORS1C1 rs9263726 (G>A). Paraclinical characteristics of gout are indicative of associated comorbid conditions. This study investigated the genotype frequency of HLA-B*58:01 and its association with paraclinical characteristics and PSORS1C1 rs9263726 in gout patients from Northeast Vietnam. Methods: A total of 133 unrelated gout patients were randomly recruited by the clinician. BioEdit sequence alignment editor version 7.2.5 software (Raleigh, Raleigh, NC, USA) was used for the analysis of nucleotide sequence data of HLA-B gene alleles from the IPD-IMGT/HLA Database, which showed that the HLA-B*58:01 allele can be distinguished from reference and other alleles by specific nucleotide positions: 387C, 379C, 368A, 355A, and 353T (in exon 3); and 319C, 285G, and 209A (in exon 2). HLA-B*58:01 and PSORS1C1 rs9263726 genotypes were identified using Sanger sequencing of PCR products, analyzed with BioEdit software, and verified using the NCBI dbVar database. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Our study revealed a significant age difference between male and female gout patients (p < 0.001). Male gout patients had an average age of 51.44 ± 14.59 years, whereas female gout patients were notably older, with an average age of 70.33 ± 10.64 years. Positive correlations were observed between platelet count, serum creatinine, and uric acid levels (r = 0.174, p = 0.045; r = 0.195, p = 0.025) in male gout patients, while only high-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed a statistically significant negative correlation with uric acid levels (r = −0.885, p = 0.002) in female patients. The HLA-B*58:01 allele frequency among study subjects was 6.02%, with 12.03% being heterozygous individuals (*X/HLA-B*58:01, N = 16). The HLA-B*58:01 allele was not detected in female gout patients. White blood cell counts were significantly higher in male gout patients with the *X/HLA-B*58:01genotype compared to those with the *X/*X genotype (p = 0.018). The A allele frequency of PSORS1C1 rs9263726 was 7.89%, and the heterozygous mutant genotype PSORS1C1 GA had a frequency of 15.79% (N = 21). Among the *X/*58:01 carriers, 4.51% had the GG genotype, and 7.52% had the GA genotype at PSORS1C1 rs9263726. Conclusions: Our study showed that the HLA-B*58:01 allele was not detected in female gout patients. White blood cell counts differed significantly between the *X/HLA-B*58:01 and *X/*X groups in male gout patients. The A allele of PSORS1C1 rs9263726 was not consistently associated with HLA-B*58:01 and was not a reliable marker for its detection in this study population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics)
18 pages, 3771 KiB  
Article
VDR Decrease Enhances the Efficacy of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Inhibiting Gefitinib Resistance by Regulating EGFR/FASN Loop in NSCLC Cells
by Junqing Yang, Mingyu Fang, Mengjun Hou, Yalei Duan, Jiali Wang, Kaiyong Hu, Shuo Liu, Xiaoying Liu, Xiaohan Peng, Xuansheng Ding and Zhirong Jia
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(8), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081238 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Gefitinib is a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) targeting EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is a current first-line treatment for NSCLC. However, acquired resistance leads to the failure of treatment and remains a challenge. Therefore, [...] Read more.
Background: Gefitinib is a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) targeting EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is a current first-line treatment for NSCLC. However, acquired resistance leads to the failure of treatment and remains a challenge. Therefore, identifying novel therapeutic approaches to combat EGFR-TKI resistance is crucial. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database analysis and gefitinib-resistant cell lines were used to analyze VDR expression in NSCLC. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed via MTT assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence, qPCR, and Western blotting were used to measure mRNA and protein expression levels of VDR and other related molecules. Xenograft tumors in BALB/c nude mice were employed to investigate the effects of VDR and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) on gefitinib-resistant tumors in vivo. Results: We found that VDR was significantly upregulated in EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC cells. Patients with high VDR expression exhibited poor prognosis. VDR knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation, tumor growth, and reduced gefitinib resistance, whereas VDR overexpression enhanced resistance. VDR knockdown downregulated EGFR and FASN expression. Silencing either EGFR or FASN confirmed the existence of a positive feedback regulatory loop involving VDR, EGFR, and FASN. Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 increased VDR levels but decreased EGFR and FASN expression. VDR knockdown significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on gefitinib resistance. The combination of VDR knockdown and 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment was more effective than either treatment alone in suppressing EGFR and FASN expression. Conclusions: VDR promotes NSCLC resistance to EGFR-TKIs by regulating EGFR and FASN expression through a positive feedback loop. Knocking down VDR effectively enhances the ability of 1,25(OH)2D3 to overcome gefitinib resistance, mediated by the synergistic downregulation of EGFR and FASN expression. Targeting VDR represents a potential strategy to enhance the efficacy of 1,25(OH)2D3 in overcoming EGFR-TKI resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epithelial Plasticity and Therapy Resistance in Cancer)
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14 pages, 632 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Associated Factors for HPV in People Living with HIV: Are INSTIs Protective Against HPV-16? The GAIA Study
by Omar Hernández-López, Brenda Clara González-Contreras, Ana Luz Cano-Díaz, José Antonio Mata-Marín, Ericka Nelly Pompa-Mera, Javier Vicente Noyola-Gómez, Salma Triana-González, Paola Edith Padilla-Noguera, Alberto Chaparro-Sánchez, Sócrates Alberto García-Gutiérrez, Gustavo Barriga-Angulo and Jesús Enrique Gaytan-Martinez
Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081147 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) significantly contributes to anogenital cancers, with elevated risks among people living with HIV (PWH), particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). This study assessed anal HPV prevalence and associated risk factors in PWH in Mexico, focusing on the role [...] Read more.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) significantly contributes to anogenital cancers, with elevated risks among people living with HIV (PWH), particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). This study assessed anal HPV prevalence and associated risk factors in PWH in Mexico, focusing on the role of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: A cross-sectional study at an HIV clinic in Mexico City (October 2023–December 2024) enrolled 214 MSM with HIV. The participants completed a validated risk factor questionnaire and provided anal samples for real-time PCR testing of 28 HPV genotypes. Logistic regression analyzed associations between HPV infection, ART regimens, and clinical/behavioral factors. Results: HPV prevalence was 89.3%, with HPV-16 (20.1%) being the most common high-risk genotype. Integrase inhibitor (INSTI) use was inversely associated with HPV-16 infection (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.21–0.83; p = 0.011), while protease inhibitor use increased HPV-16 (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.09–4.29; p = 0.025) and HPV-6 risks. Higher CD4+ counts (≥500 cells/mm3) and undetectable HIV viral load (<40 copies/mL) were protective against multiple HPV genotypes. Lower education and smoking increased HPV risk. Conclusions: This first Mexican study in the ART and HPV vaccination era highlights high anal HPV prevalence in PWH and suggests that INSTI-based regimens may reduce HPV-16 risk, informing ART selection for HPV prevention. Full article
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15 pages, 2642 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic Plasticity in the Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida) Under Heat Stress
by Junfeng Liu, Yuxiang Wang, Yuzhu He, Keyue Jin, Xiaojuan Wan, Danwei Chen, Tailin Zhong, Xujiang He and Guoyun Wu
Insects 2025, 16(8), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080868 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Global warming is increasing in severity, affecting insects across various biological species. This study investigated the heat resistance ability of the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) by studying gene expression under heat stress and showed that A. tumida exhibits strong heat [...] Read more.
Global warming is increasing in severity, affecting insects across various biological species. This study investigated the heat resistance ability of the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) by studying gene expression under heat stress and showed that A. tumida exhibits strong heat resistance and transcriptomic plasticity under heat stress. RNA-seq analysis identified 547, 1127, and 866 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 38 °C, 42 °C, and 46 °C, respectively, compared to 25 °C. Among them, 16, 25, and 5 heat shock protein (HSP) genes were differentially expressed under the three heat stress conditions. Specifically, one HSP70 gene (Loc109602670) was consistently upregulated across all temperatures. Furthermore, the lysosome-related pathway was the top enriched pathway under heat treatments, with key genes such as lysosomal aspartic protease-like, cathepsin L1-like, and lipase 3-like significantly upregulated. Overall, these findings suggest that A. tumida exhibits transcriptomic plasticity under sublethal heat stress, and key HSP genes with genes from lysosome pathways are likely to contribute to heat resistance. This study provides novel insights into the molecular basis of thermotolerance in A. tumida, contributing to our understanding of how this invasive pest adapts to high-temperature environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Immunogenomics)
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17 pages, 2625 KiB  
Article
Postbiotic pA1c®HI for Preventing Insulin Resistance and Obesity in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Prediabetes
by Deyan Yavorov-Dayliev, Iñaki Iturria, Leyre Iriarte, Miriam Araña, Miguel Barajas and Josune Ayo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8094; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168094 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity, prediabetes (PreD), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are global health challenges linked to metabolic dysfunction. While probiotics show promise, postbiotics offer advantages in stability, safety, and food incorporation. This study evaluates the postbiotic pA1c®HI, a heat-inactivated [...] Read more.
Cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity, prediabetes (PreD), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are global health challenges linked to metabolic dysfunction. While probiotics show promise, postbiotics offer advantages in stability, safety, and food incorporation. This study evaluates the postbiotic pA1c®HI, a heat-inactivated form of the probiotic pA1c®, for its potential in modulating glucose and lipid metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans, compared to its live form. Worms were supplemented with pA1c®HI and live pA1c® in glucose-enriched media. Fat accumulation, gene expression, oxidative stress, and lifespan were measured using Nile Red and DHE staining, qPCR, and longevity assays. pA1c®HI significantly reduced glucose-induced fat accumulation, achieving fat reduction comparable to the anti-obesity drug orlistat and showing superior efficacy compared to the live probiotic form. It modulated the expression of genes associated with lipid oxidation (acox-1, cpt-2), fatty acid synthesis (fat-5), insulin signaling (daf-2, daf-16), and oxidative stress response (skn-1). Synergistic combinations with chromium picolinate (PC) and zinc (Zn) further enhanced metabolic outcomes. Importantly, pA1c®HI retained efficacy after thermal treatment (121–135 °C), supporting its potential for use in processed foods. pA1c®HI is a stable, effective postbiotic that modulates key pathways associated with obesity, PreD, and T2D in C. elegans, with superior performance to the live probiotic and added benefits when combined with PC and Zn. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
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17 pages, 3553 KiB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Computational Methods for Validating Housekeeping Gene RT-qPCR Data in 3T3-L1 Cells
by Zhenya Ivanova, Natalia Grigorova, Valeria Petrova, Ekaterina Vachkova and Georgi Beev
Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 2036; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13082036 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Postbiotics with anti-adipogenic properties can significantly modify adipocyte metabolism by influencing key cellular pathways involved in lipid accumulation. In preliminary in vitro studies, it is essential to monitor various cellular and subcellular variables, including gene expression and protein synthesis potential, through RT-qPCR [...] Read more.
Background: Postbiotics with anti-adipogenic properties can significantly modify adipocyte metabolism by influencing key cellular pathways involved in lipid accumulation. In preliminary in vitro studies, it is essential to monitor various cellular and subcellular variables, including gene expression and protein synthesis potential, through RT-qPCR analysis. It is also crucial to select internal controls carefully and evaluate their stability for effective normalization and accurate interpretation of the results. Methods: In this study, we assessed the stability of six commonly used housekeeping genes: GAPDH, Actb, HPRT, HMBS, 18S, and 36B4. We analyzed their variability in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with supernatants from newly isolated Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strains. Our analysis combined classical statistical methods, a ∆Ct analysis, and software algorithms such as geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. Results: Our stepwise, multiparameter strategy for selecting reference genes led to the exclusion of Actb and 18S as the most variable reference genes. We identified HPRT as the most stable internal control. Additionally, HPRT and HMBS emerged as a stable pair, while the recommended triplet of genes for reliable normalization consists of HPRT, 36B4, and HMBS. Conclusions: The widely used putative genes in similar studies—GAPDH and Actb—did not confirm their presumed stability, which once again emphasizes the need for experimental validation of internal controls to increase the accuracy and reliability of gene expression. Combining a unique biological model—postbiotic-treated adipocytes—with multiple algorithms integrated into a single workflow allows us to provide a methodological template applicable to similar nutritional and metabolic research settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genetic Diseases)
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15 pages, 601 KiB  
Systematic Review
Association of Helicobacter pylori as an Extragastric Reservoir in the Oral Cavity with Oral Diseases in Patients with and Without Gastritis—A Systematic Review
by Eber Cuba, María C. Sánchez, María J. Ciudad and Luis Collado
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081955 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity as an extragastric reservoir and oral diseases in patients with or without gastritis. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central, [...] Read more.
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity as an extragastric reservoir and oral diseases in patients with or without gastritis. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and Embase databases (2010–2025) using MeSH terms and keywords related to H. pylori, the oral cavity, and oral diseases. Inclusion criteria included observational studies, clinical trials, and case–control studies. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Of the 298 records initially identified, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. The presence of H. pylori in the oral cavity (plaque, saliva) was variably associated with gastritis, periodontitis, dental caries, and halitosis. Detection rates varied widely (0–100%), influenced by methodological differences (PCR, culture, antigen tests). Some studies reported an improvement in oral health after eradication therapy, while others found no significant association. The oral cavity may serve as a reservoir for H. pylori, with implications for oral and systemic health. Standardized diagnostic methods and integrated treatment approaches (combining gastric eradication and oral hygiene) are needed to clarify their role and optimize clinical outcomes. Further research is warranted to establish causal relationships and therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Microbiology)
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19 pages, 2396 KiB  
Article
Alleviation of Ovalbumin-Allergic Reactions in Mice by Eucommia ulmoides Polysaccharides via Modulation of Intestinal Microbiota
by Xuelei Zhang, Ketong Bi, Chuansheng Zhao, Yuxin Cao, Yuxuan Yang, Jingxuan Jia, Yong Zhang, Dandan Zhai, Yu Yang and Peng Li
Foods 2025, 14(16), 2913; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162913 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Food allergy represents a prevalent immunological disorder, with current clinical management primarily emphasizing allergen avoidance and emergency pharmacological intervention. Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides, the principal bioactive constituents of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Eucommia ulmoides, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, their [...] Read more.
Food allergy represents a prevalent immunological disorder, with current clinical management primarily emphasizing allergen avoidance and emergency pharmacological intervention. Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides, the principal bioactive constituents of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Eucommia ulmoides, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, their specific effects on food allergies remain inadequately characterized. A total of thirty-six female BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 12 per group): the control group (CON group, receiving saline treatment), the allergic model group (OVA group, subjected to ovalbumin sensitization), and the intervention group (OVA+PS group, undergoing OVA sensitization followed by Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides administration via gavage). The anti-allergic efficacy of Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides was comprehensively evaluated through clinical allergy symptom scoring, histological and pathological tissue analysis, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) for the assessment of key gene expression, and 16S rDNA sequencing. The findings indicated the following: (1) The allergy scores in the OVA+PS group were significantly lower than those in the OVA group (p < 0.01). Following OVA stimulation, the rectal temperature of mice in the OVA group decreased sharply, whereas the temperature decline in the OVA+PS group was more gradual compared to the model group. (2) The liver, kidney, spleen, and intestinal tissues of mice in the OVA+PS group exhibited normal morphology, consistent with the CON group, which suggests that Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides effectively mitigates the local inflammatory response induced by food allergy. (3) The expression of NICD in the spleen of mice in the OVA+PS group was significantly higher than in the OVA group (p < 0.05), while the expression of the Hes1 gene was significantly elevated in the OVA group compared to both the CON and OVA+PS groups (p < 0.05). In the OVA group, the expression level of Gata-3 was significantly elevated compared to both the CON group and the OVA+PS group (p < 0.05). Similarly, the expression of STAT5 in the OVA group was markedly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). (4) Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides were found to modulate the intestinal microbiota composition in allergic mice, notably increasing the expression abundance of Enterobacter, Oscillibacter, and Butyricicoccus, while decreasing the expression abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Turicibacter. (5) There was a correlation between alterations in the intestinal microbiota of mice and the expression of key genes. Specifically, the relative abundance of Blautia was negatively correlated with the expression of NICD and Gata-3 genes (p < 0.05), and the relative abundance of the Lachnospiraceae_FCS020_group was negatively correlated with the expression of the Hes1 gene (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides demonstrate potential in alleviating allergic symptoms, providing a scientific foundation for the development of novel natural anti-allergic functional foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polysaccharides: Structure and Health Functions)
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24 pages, 4238 KiB  
Article
Hydrothermal Magnesium Alloy Extracts Modulate MicroRNA Expression in RAW264.7 Cells: Implications for Bone Remodeling
by Viviana Costa, Lavinia Raimondi, Daniele Bellavia, Angela De Luca, Pasquale Guglielmi, Angela Cusanno, Luca Cattini, Lia Pulsatelli, Matteo Pavarini, Roberto Chiesa and Gianluca Giavaresi
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(8), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16080303 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) alloys, particularly Mg AZ31, have emerged as promising biomaterials for orthopedic applications due to their biodegradability and favorable mechanical characteristics. Among these, the Mg AZ31+SPF alloy, subjected to hydrothermal (HT) treatment, has demonstrated enhanced bioactivity. Our previous research established that this [...] Read more.
Magnesium (Mg) alloys, particularly Mg AZ31, have emerged as promising biomaterials for orthopedic applications due to their biodegradability and favorable mechanical characteristics. Among these, the Mg AZ31+SPF alloy, subjected to hydrothermal (HT) treatment, has demonstrated enhanced bioactivity. Our previous research established that this surface modification supports the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) by modulating both canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways, including those implicated in osteogenesis, hypoxic response, exosome biogenesis, and lipid metabolism. In the present study, we extended our investigation to assess the effects of Mg AZ31+SPF+HT and Mg AZ31+SPF extracts on murine pre-osteoclasts (RAW 264.7 cells) over 3- and 6-day treatment periods. The primary objectives were to evaluate biocompatibility and to investigate potential impacts on osteoclastogenesis induction and miRNA expression profiles. Methods: To assess cytocompatibility, metabolic activity, DNA integrity, and morphological alterations in RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated. Osteoclast differentiation was quantified using TRAP staining, alongside the assessment of osteoclastogenic marker expression by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The immunomodulatory properties of the extracts were examined using multiplex BioPlex assays to quantify soluble factors involved in bone healing. Additionally, global miRNA expression profiling was performed using a specialized panel targeting 82 microRNAs implicated in bone remodeling and inflammatory signaling. Results: Mg AZ31+SPF+HT extract exhibited high biocompatibility, with no observable adverse effects on cell viability. Notably, a significant reduction in the number of TRAP-positive and multinucleated cells was observed relative to the Mg AZ31+SPF group. This effect was corroborated by the downregulation of osteoclast-specific gene expression and decreased MMP9 protein levels. Cytokine profiling indicated that Mg AZ31+SPF+HT extract promoted an earlier release of key cytokines involved in maintaining the balance between bone formation and resorption, suggesting a beneficial role in bone healing. Furthermore, miRNA profiling revealed a distinct regulatory signature in Mg AZ31+SPF+HT-treated cells, with differentially expressed miRNAs associated with inflammation, osteoclast differentiation, apoptosis, bone resorption, hypoxic response, and metabolic processes compared to Mg AZ31+SPF-treated cells. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings indicate that hydrothermal treatment of Mg AZ31+SPF (resulting in Mg AZ31+SPF+HT) attenuates pre-osteoclast activation by influencing cellular morphology, gene and protein expression, as well as post-transcriptional regulation via modulation of miRNAs. The preliminary identification of miRNAs and the activation of their regulatory networks in pre-osteoclasts exposed to hydrothermally treated Mg alloy are described herein. In the context of orthopedic surgery—where balanced bone remodeling is imperative—our results emphasize the dual significance of promoting bone formation while modulating bone resorption to achieve optimal implant integration and ensure long-term bone health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metals and Alloys for Biomedical Applications (2nd Edition))
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