Nuclear F-actin Cytology in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral cavity cancer has a low 5-y survival rate, but outcomes improve when the disease is detected early. Cytology is a less invasive method to assess oral potentially malignant disorders relative to the gold-standard scalpel biopsy and histopathology. In this report, we aimed to determine the utility of cytological signatures, including nuclear F-actin cell phenotypes, for classifying the entire spectrum of oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma. We enrolled subjects with oral potentially malignant disorders, subjects with previously diagnosed malignant lesions, and healthy volunteers without lesions and obtained brush cytology specimens and matched scalpel biopsies from 486 subjects. Histopathological assessment of the scalpel biopsy specimens classified lesions into 6 categories. Brush cytology specimens were analyzed by machine learning classifiers trained to identify relevant cytological features. Multimodal diagnostic models were developed using cytology results, lesion characteristics, and risk factors. Squamous cells with nuclear F-actin staining were associated with early disease (i.e., lower proportions in benign lesions than in more severe lesions), whereas small round parabasal-like cells and leukocytes were associated with late disease (i.e., higher proportions in severe dysplasia and carcinoma than in less severe lesions). Lesions with the impression of oral lichen planus were unlikely to be either dysplastic or malignant. Cytological features substantially improved upon lesion appearance and risk factors in predicting squamous cell carcinoma. Diagnostic models accurately discriminated early and late disease with AUCs (95% CI) of 0.82 (0.77 to 0.87) and 0.93 (0.88 to 0.97), respectively. The cytological features identified here have the potential to improve screening and surveillance of the entire spectrum of oral potentially malignant disorders in multiple care settings.

Planning considerations prior to laryngectomy for a patient infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pre-operatively

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 was declared a pandemic on 11th March 2020. All non-urgent surgical procedures have been postponed indefinitely. The British Association of Head and Neck Oncology state that only those with treatable head and neck cancer unsuitable for alternative treatment should undergo surgery. This paper details our management of a patient who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 days before curative surgery for laryngeal cancer.

CASE REPORT

By following British Association of Head and Neck Oncology guidance, a 49-year-old male scheduled for total laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissection for a T3 transglottic squamous cell cancer was pre-operatively identified as an asymptomatic carrier of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. Following 14-day isolation and laboratory proven viral clearance, he underwent successful major surgery. He was managed throughout the peri- and post-operative phases without complications or adverse effects on staff.

CONCLUSION

With careful planning, previous coronavirus disease 2019 positive status should not prevent an individual from undergoing successful total laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissection in a safe and timely manner during the pandemic.

Phthalyl starch nanoparticles as prebiotics enhanced nisin production in Lactococcus lactis through the induction of mild stress in probiotics

AIM OF THE STUDY

Effect of internalized phthalyl starch nanoparticles (PSNs) on the antimicrobial ability of Lactococcus lactis (LL) KCTC 2013.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Phthalyl starch nanoparticles were prepared by self-assembly of phthalyl starch and the amount of the hydrophobic phthalic moieties were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance: PSN1 (DS: 14·3 mol.%), PSN2 (DS: 17·8 mol.%) and PSN3 (DS: 30·4 mol.%). The sizes of PSN1, PSN2 and PSN3 measured by dynamic light scattering were 364·7, 248·4 and 213·4 nm, respectively, and the surface charges of PSNs measured by electrophoretic light scattering were negative charges and PSNs were spherical in shape according to scanning electron microscope. It was found that when PSNs were treated with LL, the PSNs were internalized into LL through nanoparticle size-, energy- and glucose transporter-dependent mechanisms. The internalization was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Nisin was isolated and identified by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Also, more nisin was produced from PSNs-treated LL than untreated- or starch-treated LL. Co-culture assay and agar diffusion test were performed to test the antimicrobial ability. Antimicrobial ability against Gram-negative Escherichia coli k88, Salmonella gallinarum and Gram-positive Listeria monocytogenes of LL treated with PSNs was higher than that of untreated or starch-treated group. Finally, it was found that the expression level of stress response genes dnaK, dnaJ and groES was significantly higher in PSNs-treated groups compared with starch-treated group or LL alone.

CONCLUSION

The internalization of PSNs into LL enhanced the production of nisin through mild intracellular stimulation, resulting in enhanced antimicrobial ability.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study shows the promising potential of PSNs as new prebiotics for increasing the production of nisin, thus demonstrating a new method for the biological production of such antimicrobial peptides.

Rescue of PB-resistant neonatal seizures with single-dose of small-molecule TrkB antagonist show long-term benefits

A recently characterized CD-1 mouse model of phenobarbital (PB)-resistant neonatal ischemic-seizures (i.e.; unilateral carotid ligation) was shown to be associated with age-dependent (P7 vs. P10) acute seizure severity and PB-efficacy (i.e.; PB-resistant vs. PB-responsive). ANA12, a novel small-molecule TrkB antagonist, rescued the PB-resistance at P7 in a dose-dependent manner and prevented the post-ischemic downregulation of KCC2, the chief Cl^- extruder in neurons. The long-term consequences of this novel rescue-intervention with ANA12 + PB in P7 and P10 ligated pups was investigated and compared to the standard first-line protocol of PB-alone loading dose. The mice underwent neurobehavioral testing, 24 h video-EEG-EMG monitoring, and immunohistochemistry in ipsi- and contralateral cortices as adults following the neonatal interventions. ANA12 + PB rescued the emergence of hyperactivity in post-ischemic P7, but not in P10 pups as adults. ANA12 + PB administration at neither P7 nor P10 significantly altered 24 h macro-sleep architecture in adults when compared to PB-alone. Behavioral state-dependent gamma (35-50 Hz) power homeostasis showed the most significant between-group differences that were age-dependent. ANA12 + PB treatment, but not PB-alone, rescued the loss of gamma power homeostasis present in P7 ligate-control but absent in P10 ligate group, highlighting the age-dependence. In contrast, PB-alone treatment, but not ANA12+PB, significantly reduced the elevated delta-AUC observed in P10 ligate-controls, when PB is efficacious by itself. These results indicate that the rescue of acute PB-resistant neonatal seizures using a novel intervention positively modulates the long-term outcomes at P7 when the seizures are refractory.

Sleep dysfunction following neonatal ischemic seizures are differential by neonatal age of insult as determined by qEEG in a mouse model

Neonatal seizures associated with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) pose a challenge in their acute clinical management and are often followed by long-term neurological consequences. We used a newly characterized CD-1 mouse model of neonatal ischemic seizures associated with age-dependent (P7 vs. P10) seizure severity and phenobarbital efficacy (i.e.; PB-resistant vs. PB-efficacious respectively) following unilateral carotid ligation. The long-term consequences following untreated neonatal seizures in P7 vs. P10 ligated pups were investigated using neurobehavioral testing, 24 h v- quantitative EEG -EMG (qEEG, qEMG), and western blot analyses in adult mice. Significant hyperactivity emerged in a small sub-set of mice in both age-groups associated with a failure to habituate during open-field (OF) testing. 24 h continuous qEEGs detected significantly altered sleep architecture due to long-wake cycles in both age-groups. Delta power (0.5-4 Hz) quantification during slow-wave-sleep (SWS) revealed significant SWS compensation in P10 ligates following periods of increased sleep pressure which the P7 ligate group failed to show. Theta/beta ratios deemed as negative correlation markers of attentional control were significantly higher only in the P10 ligates. These results indicate that neonatal age-dependent differences in the characteristics of ischemic neonatal seizures in CD-1 pups differentially modulate long-term outcomes, when evaluated with v-qEEG/EMG as adults.

A multi-institutional analysis of intraoperative radiotherapy for early breast cancer: Does age matter?

BACKGROUND

Single-session intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) minimizes treatment demands associated with traditional whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT) but outcomes on local disease control and morbidity among the elderly is limited.

METHODS

A multi-institutional retrospective registry was established from 19 centers utilizing IORT from 2007 to 2013. Patient, tumor, and treatment variables were analyzed for ages <70 and ≥70.

RESULTS

We evaluated 686 patients (<70 = 424; ≥70 = 262) who were margin and lymph node negative. Patients <70 were more likely to have longer operative time, oncoplastic closure, higher rates of IORT used as planned boost, and receive chemotherapy and post-operative WBRT. Wound complication rates were low and not significantly different between age groups. Median follow-up was 1.06 (range 0.51-1.9) years for < 70 and 1.01 (range 0.5-1.68) years for ≥ 70. There were 5 (0.73%) breast recurrences (4 in <70 and 1 ≥ 70, p = 0.65) and no axillary recurrences during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

IORT was associated with a low rate of wound complication and local recurrence on short-term follow-up in this cohort.

Lysyl oxidase-mediated VEGF-induced differentiation and angiogenesis in human dental pulp cells

AIM

To investigate the effects of recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF) on odontoblastic differentiation, in vitro angiogenesis, and expression and activity of lysyl oxidase (LOX) in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs), compared with rhFGF-2. To identify the underlying molecular mechanisms, the study focused on whether LOX was responsible for the actions of rhVEGF.

METHODOLOGY

Recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF) was constructed using the pBAD-HisA plasmid in Escherichia coli. HDPCs were treated with 1-50 μg mL^-1 rhVEGF for 14 days. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured, and the formation of calcified nodules was assessed using alizarin red staining after the induction of odontogenic differentiation of HDPCs. The expression level of the odontogenic differentiation markers was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Signal pathways were assessed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. The data were analysed by anova with Bonferroni's test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor significantly increased cell growth (P < 0.05), ALP activity (P < 0.05) and mineralization nodule formation and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of the osteogenic/odontogenic markers that were lower with rhFGF-2. rhVEGF significantly increased amine oxidase activity (P < 0.05) and upregulated LOX and LOXL mRNA expression in HDPCs. Additionally, rhVEGF dose-dependently upregulated angiogenic gene mRNAs and capillary tube formation to a greater degree than rhFGF-2. Inhibition of LOX using β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) and LOX or LOXL gene silencing by RNA interference attenuated rhVEGF-induced growth, ALP activity, mineralization, the expression of marker mRNAs and in vitro angiogenesis. Furthermore, treatment with rhVEGF resulted in phosphorylation of Akt, ERK, JNK and p38, and activation of NF-κB, which was inhibited by LOX or LOXL silencing and BAPN.

CONCLUSION

Recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor promoted cell growth, odontogenic potential and in vitro angiogenesis via modulation of LOX expression. These results support the concept that rhVEGF may offer therapeutic benefits in regenerative endodontics.

Impact of the Ratio of Visceral to Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Donor Nephrectomy Patients

OBJECTIVE

It was reported that a metabolic syndrome affected the remaining renal function after living donor nephrectomy. However, the measurement of waist circumference is unclear because it cannot distinguish between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). We investigate the clinical correlation between body adipose tissue and renal function recovery after living donor nephrectomy.

METHODS

From July 2013 to February 2015, 75 living kidney donors were enrolled. The VAT and SAT were measured by preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. Body mass index (BMI), VAT, SAT, and VAT-to-SAT ratio were analyzed according to a postoperative renal function recovery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was performed to predict estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² at postoperative 6 months for BMI, VAT, SAT, and VAT-to-SAT ratio.

RESULTS

The lowest value of eGFR (57.52 ± 11.20 mL/min/1.73 m²) was measured at postoperative day 7. There was no statistically significant difference in eGFR between 1 month and 3 months. BMI, VAT, SAT, and VAT-to-SAT ratio showed a statistically significant correlation with each other (Pearson correlation, P < .05). Also, the recovery time of eGFR was correlated with VAT-to-SAT ratio; it was significant at postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months. VAT-to-SAT ratio (0.654, 95% confidence interval 0.525-0.783, P = .024) had higher predictive value in ROC.

CONCLUSION

We developed a new variable to predict the value of lower eGFR (less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) at a postoperative 6 months in living kidney donor. According to a CT scan, VAT-to-SAT ratio can predict renal function recovery.

Body Temperature Monitoring Using Subcutaneously Implanted Thermo-loggers from Holstein Steers

Body temperature (BT) monitoring in cattle could be used to early detect fever from infectious disease or physiological events. Various ways to measure BT have been applied at different locations on cattle including rectum, reticulum, milk, subcutis and ear canal. In other to evaluate the temperature stability and reliability of subcutaneous temperature (ST) in highly fluctuating field conditions for continuous BT monitoring, long term ST profiles were collected and analyzed from cattle in autumn/winter and summer season by surgically implanted thermo-logger devices. Purposes of this study were to assess ST in the field condition as a reference BT and to determine any location effect of implantation on ST profile. In results, ST profile in cattle showed a clear circadian rhythm with daily lowest at 05:00 to 07:00 AM and highest around midnight and rather stable temperature readings (mean±standard deviation [SD], 37.1°C to 37.36°C±0.91°C to 1.02°C). STs are 1.39°C to 1.65°C lower than the rectal temperature and sometimes showed an irregular temperature drop below the normal physiologic one: 19.4% or 36.4% of 54,192 readings were below 36.5°C or 37°C, respectively. Thus, for BT monitoring purposes in a fever-alarming-system, a correction algorithm is necessary to remove the influences of ambient temperature and animal resting behavior especially in winter time. One way to do this is simply discard outlier readings below 36.5°C or 37°C resulting in a much improved mean±SD of 37.6°C±0.64°C or 37.8°C±0.55°C, respectively. For location the upper scapula region seems the most reliable and convenient site for implantation of a thermo-sensor tag in terms of relatively low influence by ambient temperature and easy insertion compared to lower scapula or lateral neck.

Acute TrkB inhibition rescues phenobarbital-resistant seizures in a mouse model of neonatal ischemia

Neonatal seizures are commonly associated with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Phenobarbital (PB) resistance is common and poses a serious challenge in clinical management. Using a newly characterized neonatal mouse model of ischemic seizures, this study investigated a novel strategy for rescuing PB resistance. A small-molecule TrkB antagonist, ANA12, used to selectively and transiently block post-ischemic BDNF-TrkB signaling in vivo, determined whether rescuing TrkB-mediated post-ischemic degradation of the K(+)-Cl(-) co-transporter (KCC2) rescued PB-resistant seizures. The anti-seizure efficacy of ANA12 + PB was quantified by (i) electrographic seizure burden using acute continuous video-electroencephalograms and (ii) post-treatment expression levels of KCC2 and NKCC1 using Western blot analysis in postnatal day (P)7 and P10 CD1 pups with unilateral carotid ligation. ANA12 significantly rescued PB-resistant seizures at P7 and improved PB efficacy at P10. A single dose of ANA12 + PB prevented the post-ischemic degradation of KCC2 for up to 24 h. As anticipated, ANA12 by itself had no anti-seizure properties and was unable to prevent KCC2 degradation at 24 h without follow-on PB. This indicates that unsubdued seizures can independently lead to KCC2 degradation via non-TrkB-dependent pathways. This study, for the first time as a proof-of-concept, reports the potential therapeutic value of KCC2 modulation for the management of PB-resistant seizures in neonates. Future investigations are required to establish the mechanistic link between ANA12 and the prevention of KCC2 degradation.

Role of resistin in the inflammatory response induced by nicotine plus lipopolysaccharide in human periodontal ligament cells in vitro

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Resistin was recently reported to play a role in inflammation-related diseases such as arthritis. However, the precise role of resistin in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as periodontal disease, remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of nicotine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of resistin and to assess whether resistin expression influences the levels of inflammatory cytokines, extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and MMPs in human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) stimulated with both nicotine and LPS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PDLCs were pretreated with isoproterenol or resistin-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA), stimulated with LPS plus nicotine for 24 h, and then monitored for the production of inflammatory mediators. The concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured by radioimmunoassay and the Griess method, respectively. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to measure the levels of mRNA and protein, respectively. Western blot analysis was also used to assess the activation of various signal-transduction pathways.

RESULTS

Treatment with nicotine plus LPS up-regulated the expression of resistin mRNA and the production of resistin protein in PDLCs in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Isoproterenol-mediated interference with the function of resistin, or siRNA-mediated knockdown of resistin expression, markedly attenuated the LPS plus nicotine-mediated stimulation of PGE2 and NO production, the production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase proteins and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-12] and MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9); however, these treatments restored the expression of ECM molecules. Furthermore, pretreatment with isoproterenol or resistin-specific siRNA blocked nicotine plus LPS-induced activation of phosphoinositide-3-kinase, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta, β-catenin, p38, ERK, JNK and nuclear factor-κB.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show that the inhibition of resistin, by either a pharmacological or a genetic silencing approach, has anti-inflammatory effects. These effects include decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and the prevention of ECM breakdown in a nicotine plus LPS-stimulated PDLC model.

TNF-α and LPS activate angiogenesis via VEGF and SIRT1 signalling in human dental pulp cells

AIM

To assess whether SIRT1 and VEGF are responsible for tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced angiogenesis and to examine the molecular mechanism(s) of action in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs).

METHODOLOGY

Immortalized HDPCs obtained from Prof. Takashi Takata (Hiroshima University, Japan) were treated with LPS (1 μg mL(-1) ) and TNF-α (10 ng mL(-1) ) for 24 h. mRNA and protein levels were examined by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Migration and tube formation were examined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The data were analysed by one-way anova. Statistical analysis was performed at α = 0.05.

RESULTS

LPS and TNF-α upregulated VEGF and SIRT1 mRNA and protein levels. Inhibition of SIRT1 activity by sirtinol and SIRT1 siRNA or inhibition of the VEGF receptor by CBO-P11 significantly attenuated LPS + TNF-α-stimulated MMPs production in HDPCs, as well as migration and tube formation in HUVECs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, sirtinol, SIRT1 siRNA and CBO-P11 attenuated phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Pre-treatment with inhibitors of p38, ERK, JNK, PI3K and NF-κB decreased LPS + TNF-α-induced VEGF and SIRT1 expression, MMPs activity in HDPCs and angiogenesis (P < 0.05) in HUVECs.

CONCLUSIONS

TNF-α and LPS led to upregulation of VEGF and SIRT1, and subsequent upregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 production, and promote angiogenesis via pathways involving PI3K, p38, ERK, JNK and NF-κB. The results suggest that inhibition of SIRT1 and VEGF might attenuate pro-inflammatory mediator-induced pulpal disease.

Performance of multidetector CT in the evaluation of the endometrium: Measurement of endometrial thickness and detection of disease

AIM

To evaluate the performance of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the measurement of endometrial thickness and assessment for endometrial disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-nine MDCT examinations, including sagittal reformats from isotropic data, were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of endometrial abnormality, endometrial thickness, and recommendation for transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) after CT. The endometrial thickness was measured on sagittal images using two different methods, between the inner-to-inner hypoattenuating stripe, and when visible, between the outer-to-outer hyperattenuating stripe. TVUS performed within 48 h of CT in premenopausal and 1 month in postmenopausal patients served as reference standard. Interobserver agreement for endometrial thickness and abnormalities was assessed using concordance correlation (CC) and kappa statistics.

RESULTS

Interobserver agreement for endometrial thickness on sagittal CT images was excellent (CC 0.98), and highly accurate using the inner-to-inner measurement. For determination of abnormal thickening, the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 67-100% and 99.5-100%. For detection of any endometrial abnormality, the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 79-90% and 84-95%, respectively. False-negative missed abnormalities included small volume hydrometra, a polyp, and endometrial distortion by a fibroid.

CONCLUSION

At MDCT, sagittal reformatted images provide reliable endometrial measurement using the inner-to-inner hypoattenuating stripe and are accurately categorized as normal or abnormal thickness using the same numerical criteria as at sonography.

Pre-Clinical Models of Acquired Neonatal Seizures: Differential Effects of Injury on Function of Chloride Co-Transporters

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy [HIE] represents the most common acquired pathology associated with neonatal seizures. HIE-associated neonatal seizures are often difficult to control, due to their refractoriness to traditional anti-seizure agents. Developmentally regulated chloride gradients during early development make the neonatal brain more seizure-susceptible by depolarizing GABA_AR-mediated currents, and therefore hindering inhibition by conventional anti-seizure drugs such as phenobarbital [PB] and benzodiazepines. Pharmaco-modulation of chloride co-transporters has become a current field of research in treating refractory neonatal seizures, and the basis of two clinical trials [NCT01434225; NCT00380531]. However, the recent termination of NEMO study [NCT01434225] on bumetanide, an NKCC1 antagonist, suggests that clinical utilization of bumetanide as an adjunct to treat neonatal seizures with PB may not be a viable option. Hence, re-evaluation of bumetanide as an adjunct through pre-clinical studies is warranted. Additionally, the model-specific variability in the efficacy of bumetanide in the pre-clinical models of neonatal seizures highlights the differential consequences of insults used to induce seizures in each pre-clinical model as worth exploration. Injury itself can significantly alter the function of chloride co-transporters, and therefore the efficacy of anti-seizure agents that follow.

Conjugated linoleic acid synthesis-related protein proteasome subunit α 5 (PSMA5) is increased by vaccenic acid treatment in goat mammary tissue

This study was conducted to identify proteins associated with the endogenous synthesis of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from trans-vaccenic acid (TVA; trans-11 C18:1, a precursor for CLA endogenous synthesis) in mammary tissues. Six lactating goats were divided into 2 groups. One group was given an intravenous bolus injection of TVA (150mg) twice daily over 4 d; the other group received saline injections. Treatment with TVA increased the concentration of cis-9,trans-11 CLA and TVA in goat milk. Additionally, TVA treatment increased the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in mammary tissue. Using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, 3 proteins affected by infusions of TVA were identified. Proteasome (prosome, macropain) subunit α type 5 (PSMA5) was upregulated, whereas peroxiredoxin-1 and translationally controlled tumor protein 1 were downregulated in TVA-treated animals compared with the vehicle-injected controls. Only the effect of TVA on PSMA5 could be confirmed by Western blot analysis. To further explore the regulation of PSMA5 in mammary epithelial cells when TVA is converted into CLA, we used a differentiated bovine mammary epithelial cell line treated with TVA for 6h. Changes in cis-9,trans-11 CLA concentrations and mRNA expression patterns of both SCD and PSMA5 were monitored. The concentration of cis-9,trans-11 CLA increased after TVA treatment. The mRNA expression level of PSMA5 was significantly elevated to 6h, but SCD mRNA expression only increased in 2h after TVA treatment. These results indicate that PSMA5 is highly expressed in goat mammary tissue and bovine mammary epithelial cells when TVA is converted into CLA. Our data suggest that PSMA5 protein is associated with CLA biosynthesis in mammary tissue.

Comparison of cell proliferation and epigenetic modification of gene expression patterns in canine foetal fibroblasts and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

OBJECTIVES

This study compared rate of cell proliferation, viability, cell size, expression patterns of genes related to pluripotency and epigenetic modification between canine foetal fibroblasts (cFF) and canine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cAd-MSC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Proliferation pattern, cell viability as well as cell size at each passage of cFF and cAd-MSC were measured when cultures reached confluence. In addition, real-time PCR was performed to investigate expression of Dnmt1, HDAC1, OCT4, SOX2, BAX, BCL2 genes with reference to β-actin gene expression as an endogenous control in both cell lines.

RESULTS

cFF and cAd-MSC differed in number of generations, but not in doubling times, at all passages. Mean cell size of cAd-MSC was significantly smaller than that of cFF. Cell viability was significantly lower in cFFs and apoptotic level was significantly lower in cAd-MSC compared to passage-matched cFF. In the expression of genes related to pluripotency and epigenetic modification, level of HDAC1 in cAd-MSC was significantly higher than in cFF, but expression of Dnmt1 did not differ between the two groups. OCT4 and SOX2 were significantly more highly expressed in cAd-MSC compared to cFF.

CONCLUSIONS

cAd-MSC have higher stem-cell potential than cFF in terms of proliferation patterns, epigenetic modification and pluripotency, thus cAd-MSC could be more appropriate than cFF as donors of nuclei in somatic cell nuclear transfer for transgenesis.

Coexistence of IgM antihepatitis A virus and IgM antihepatitis E virus in acute viral hepatitis: a prospective, multicentre study in Korea

This study investigated the clinical, serological and molecular characteristics of coexistence of both immunoglobulin M (IgM) antihepatitis A virus (HAV) and IgM antihepatitis E virus (HEV) in acute viral hepatitis using a prospective, multicentre design. Among a total of 771 symptomatic cases with acute viral hepatitis enrolled in a Korean city from September 2006 to August 2008, coexistence of IgM anti-HAV and IgM anti-HEV was found in 43 patients (A+E group; 6%), while the existence of IgM anti-HAV alone was found in 595 patients (A group; 77%) and that of IgM anti-HEV alone in 14 patients (E group; 2%). Clinical data analysis and measurement of IgM and IgG anti-HEV were performed using two different commercial kits, and HAV RNA and HEV RNA were detected in available serum or stool samples. The clinical features of the A+E group were similar to those of the A group. HAV RNA detection rates in the A+E and A group were similar, while HEV RNA was detected only in the stool samples of the E group, not in the A+E group. Comparative testing of anti-HEV using two different ELISA kits showed markedly discordant results for IgM anti-HEV positivity and consistently low positivity for IgG anti-HEV in the A+E group. Coexistence of IgM anti-HEV measured by the Genelabs ELISA kit in the setting of hepatitis A appears to yield false-positive results in nonendemic areas of HEV infection. Diagnosis of hepatitis E using IgM anti-HEV should be made with caution.

Soluble factors from ASCs effectively direct control of chondrogenic fate

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) have great potential for regenerative medicine. For molecular understanding of specific functional molecules present in ASCs, we analysed 756 proteins including specific chondrogenic functional factors, using high-throughput nano reverse-phase liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.

MATERIALS, METHODS AND RESULTS

Of these proteins, 33 were identified as chondrogenic factors or proteins including type 2 collagen, biglycan, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1). ASCs are a possible cell source for cartilage regeneration as they are able to secrete a number of functional cytokines including chondrogenesis-inducing molecules such as TGF-beta1 and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). The chondrogenic phenotype of cultured ASCs was effectively induced by ASC-culture media (CM) containing BMP4 and TGF-beta1, and maintained after pre-treatment for 14 days in vitro and subcutaneous implantation in vivo. Chondrogenic differentiation efficiency of cultured ASCs and cultured mouse skin-derived progenitor cells (SPCs) depended absolutely on ASC CM-fold concentration. Cell density was also a very important factor for chondrogenic behaviour development during differentiation of ASCs and SPCs.

CONCLUSION

ASC CM-derived TGF-beta1-induced chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs resulted in significant reduction in chondrogenic activity after inhibition of the p38 pathway, revealing involvement of this MAPK pathway in TGF-beta1 signalling. On the other hand, TGF-beta1 signalling also led to SMAD activation that could directly increase chondrogenic activity of ASCs.

Influence of oocyte donor and embryo recipient conditions on cloning efficiency in dogs

To determine factors that affect the efficiency of dog cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer, the present study was performed to investigate 1) the effects of surgical history (non-operated/operated) and parity (nullipara/multipara) on the recovery of in vivo canine oocytes; 2) the effects of surgical history and parity of recipients on the pregnancy and delivery; and 3) the effects of synchronization state (AA, advanced asynchrony; SY, synchrony; RA, retarded asynchrony) between oocytes donor and recipient on the pregnancy and delivery. Oocyte recovery rate was significantly higher in non-operated dogs compared to operated dogs (93.8 vs. 89.6%, P < 0.05) and not different between nulliparous dogs and multiparous dogs. Delivery rate was also significantly higher in non-operated dogs compared to operated dogs (2.8 vs. 1.0%, P < 0.05) and in nulliparous dogs than multiparous dogs (3.0 vs. 1.7%, P < 0.05). Even though SY showed increased pregnancy and delivery rate (20.0% and 3.0%) compared to AA (15.0% and 2.0%) and RA (0.0% and 0.0%), there was no significant difference. In conclusion, we recommend non-operated dogs as experimental dogs and nulliparous dogs as recipient dogs to increase delivery rate after transfer of somatic cell nuclear transferred embryos, but further study is needed to find out appropriate synchrony status at the transfer.

DNER modulates adipogenesis of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells via regulation of cell proliferation

OBJECTIVES

In recent years, obesity has become a global epidemic, highlighting the necessity for basic research into mechanisms underlying growth of adipose tissue and differentiation of stem cells into adipocytes, in humans. For better understanding of cell signalling in adipogenesis, the role of DNER (delta/Notch-like EGF-related receptor) in adipogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSC) was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To assess the role of DNER in hAMSC adipogenesis, hAMSCs were transfected with DNER small interfering RNA (siDNER). Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions to assess expression levels of adipogenesis-related genes regulated by siDNER, cell cycle and immunoblot analyses were performed.

RESULTS

First, it was determined that DNER mRNA was profoundly expressed in hAMSCs and reduced during adipogenic differentiation. Knockdown of DNER altered cell morphology, inhibited proliferation and increased frequency and efficiency of adipogenesis in hAMSC. Expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta increased and proportion of cells in S phase decreased by knockdown of DNER, using specific siRNA. Moreover, adipocyte-specific genes including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, fatty acid binding protein 4 and perilipin were up-regulated in siDNER compared to the siControl group during adipogenesis in hAMSC.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that DNER knockdown in hAMSC accelerated onset of adipogenic differentiation by bypassing mitotic clonal expansion during the early stages of adipogenesis.