A Milk Diet Partly Containing Soy Protein Does Not Change Growth but Regulates Jejunal Proteins in Young Goats

Soy protein is known to alter intestinal function and structure. We determined in young goats whether a diet partly containing soy protein differently affects intestinal morphology and the jejunal and hepatic proteome as compared with a milk diet. Fourteen male 2-wk-old White German dairy goat kids were fed comparable diets based on whole cow's milk in which 35% of the crude protein was casein (milk protein group; MP) or soy protein supplemented by indispensable AA (SPAA) for 34 d (n = 7/group). Body weight gain and food efficiency were not different. Jejunal and hepatic tissue was collected to determine intestinal morphology by microscopy and protein repertoire by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Jejunal crypt depth was reduced and villus height to crypt depth ratio was higher in SPAA than in milk protein. Out of 131 proteins identified, 32 proteins were found to be differently expressed in both groups. In SPAA, down-regulated jejunal proteins were involved in processes related to cytoskeleton generation, protein, lipid, and energy metabolism. Downregulated hepatic proteins were related to glycolysis and Krebs cycle. Thirteen proteins were upregulated in SPAA. Among these, 2 hepatic proteins were related to carbohydrate breakdown. The other 11 jejunal proteins were involved in cytoskeleton assembly, proteolysis, and carbohydrate breakdown. In addition, glutathione-S-transferase was found to be upregulated in the medial jejunum. In conclusion, a SPAA diet as compared with a milk diet was related to changes in jejunal morphology and jejunal proteins relevant for protein turnover, energy metabolism, and cytoskeleton assembly with no apparent impact on animal BW gain.

A cellular and molecular investigation of the action of PMX464, a putative thioredoxin inhibitor, in normal and colorectal cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

PMX464 is a novel benzothiazole substituted cyclohexadienone reportedly targeting the thioredoxin (Trx1)/thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1) system. We have previously shown that PMX464 has enhanced hypoxic anti-proliferative effects in colorectal tumour cells, with some non-tumour cells (quiescent endothelium and fibroblasts) being relatively resistant. The current study aimed to validate the Trx1 system as a molecular target of PMX464 in tumour cells and to investigate the differential sensitivities of normal cells at the molecular level.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Proliferation, clonogenic survival, protein expression and function, cell cycle and apoptosis assays were conducted using colorectal tumour (HT29), endothelial (HUVEC) and fibroblast (MRCV) cells treated with PMX464 under normoxic and hypoxic (1% O(2)) conditions.

KEY RESULTS

Protein and enzyme assays showed that PMX464, in HT29, inhibited Trx1 function without altering expression and that inhibition correlated with decreased proliferation and survival, and was more marked under hypoxia. In contrast, although hypoxic HUVEC were sensitive, in terms of proliferation and survival, inhibition of Trx1 function was not observed. Quiescent HUVEC and MRCVs (that have undetectable Trx1 protein) were relatively resistant. The effect on HT29 cells was essentially due to cell cycle inhibition, as apoptosis was modest. Anti-proliferative effects were lost after a lag period, suggesting a reversible phenomenon.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The Trx1 system is an important target in tumour cells and can be inhibited by PMX464. Quiescent HUVEC and fibroblasts are relatively resistant conferring a therapeutic benefit when targeting Trx1.

Vascular endothelial growth factor is induced by the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and oncostatin m in human adipose tissue in vitro and in murine adipose tissue in vivo

OBJECTIVES

It is believed that adipose tissue acts as an endocrine organ by producing inflammatory mediators and thereby contributes to the increased cardiovascular risk seen in obesity. A link between adipose tissue mass and angiogenesis has been suggested. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) seems to be implicated in this process. Members of the glycoprotein (gp)130 ligand family regulate VEGF expression in other cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used tissue explants as well as primary cultures of preadipocytes and adipocytes from human subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue to investigate whether the gp130 ligands oncostatin M (OSM), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) regulate VEGF expression in human adipose tissue. Human subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue responded to treatment with IL-6 and OSM with a significant increase in VEGF production. Human preadipocytes were isolated from subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue. Adipocyte-differentiation was induced by hormone-supplementation. All cell types responded to IL-6 and OSM with a robust increase in VEGF protein production and a similar increase in VEGF-specific mRNA. Furthermore, IL-1beta synergistically enhanced the effect of OSM on VEGF production. AG-490, a JAK/STAT inhibitor, abolished the OSM-dependent VEGF induction almost completely. In mice, IL-6 and OSM increased serum levels of VEGF and VEGF mRNA and vessel density in adipose tissue.

CONCLUSION

We speculate that the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and OSM might support angiogenesis during adipose tissue growth by upregulating VEGF.

Effect of a Soy Protein-Based Diet on Ribonucleic Acid Metabolism in the Small Intestinal Mucosa of Goat Kids

This study was designed to investigate the effect of soy protein inclusion in milk replacer diets for goat kids on protein, RNA, and DNA contents in small intestinal mucosa, on the importance of RNA biosynthesis from dietary RNA precursors for mucosal RNA synthesis, and on the activities of enzymes involved in nucleotide degradation in small intestinal mucosa. Diets were based on cow's milk. In the control group, 35% of the milk protein was replaced by casein (CN) protein, and in the soy group (SPAA), the same amount of milk protein was replaced by soy protein supplemented with essential AA known to be at lower concentrations in soy than in CN (Thr, Val, Ile, Leu, His, Lys, Met). Diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. At 47 d of age, goats were harvested and samples of proximal, middle, and distal jejunal mucosa were collected 5 h after feeding 15N-labeled RNA from yeast (13 mg/kg of body weight). Growth and feed conversion did not differ between the control and SPAA kids. Mucosal protein concentrations were lower in the SPAA than the control kids. Concentrations of RNA and DNA did not differ between feeding groups, but in all kids mucosal RNA concentrations were higher in proximal than in middle and distal jejunum. Protein:RNA ratios were higher in the control than the SPAA kids and were lowest in proximal jejunum. Activities of alkaline phosphatase in enterocytes were higher in proximal than in middle and distal jejunum. Activities of mucosal xanthine oxidase were highest in distal jejunum and were higher in the SPAA than the control kids, especially in the middle and distal sites. The 15N-enrichment of mucosal RNA was higher in the control than the SPAA kids, especially in distal jejunum, and was lowest in distal jejunum. In contrast, 15N-enrichment of urea in plasma tended to be higher and Gly concentration in plasma was lower in the SPAA than the control kids. Data indicate that protein content and the protein:RNA ratio were lower in jejunal mucosa of goat kids fed milk replacer with partial replacement of CN protein by soy protein. These findings were accompanied by a lower level of reutilization of preformed dietary RNA precursors for RNA biosynthesis in jejunal mucosa and a higher activity of xanthine oxidase. Thus, feeding soy protein instead of CN protein reduced the incorporation of preformed dietary RNA precursors for RNA biosynthesis in the mucosa and activated key enzymes involved in nucleic acid breakdown.

Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol predicts cardiovascular events after carotid stenting: a long-term survey

BACKGROUND

Apart from advanced age, little is known about predictors of the long-term outcome after carotid artery stenting (CAS).

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether atherosclerotic risk factors predict the long-term outcome after CAS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We enrolled 532 patients assigned for CAS. The primary composite end-point, including stroke, myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality, was observed in 100 patients (19%) during the long-term follow-up (median 28 months, interquartile range 14-49 months).

RESULTS

Cumulative event rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 4.4%, 17.1% and 33.4%, respectively. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was an independent predictor of event-free survival. The adjusted hazard ratio for the primary end-point was 0.97 per increase of 1 mg dL(-1) HDL cholesterol [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95-0.99, P = 0.002) and 2.7 (95% CI 1.6-4.4, P < 0.001) for low HDL cholesterol (< 40 mg dL(-1) in men and < 50 mg dL(-1) in women). Inflammatory activation (leukocyte count > 10,000 mL(-1) or fibrinogen > 450 mg dL(-1) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate > 20 mm h(-1)) was the only other independent atherosclerotic risk factor (P = 0.001). Patients with low HDL cholesterol and elevated inflammatory activation were at very high risk, with a 5-year event rate of 59.4% (95% CI 43.6-75.2%) as compared to 15.1% (95% CI 8.2-22.0%) in those without both risk factors (log rank, P < 0.001). Age, occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery and heart failure were further independent risk predictors (P < 0.01 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Low HDL cholesterol is an independent predictor of the long-term outcome after CAS. The combination of low HDL cholesterol and elevated inflammatory markers identified high-risk patients.

Koronare Stents, duale Antiplättchentherapie und die perioperative Problematik

Up to 90% of all percutaneous coronary interventions include coronary artery stenting. Dual antiplatelet therapy, usually involving acetylsalicyl acid combined with clopidogrel, is mandatory for patients with coronary artery stents. The duration of antiplatelet therapy for bare metal stents is 3-4 weeks, for drug eluting stents 6-12 months. Preoperative discontinuation of both drugs increases the risk of stent thrombosis, continuation the risk of relevant bleeding. According to the recommendations of anaesthesiological and cardiological societies, perioperative management has to balance the risk of bleeding vs stent thrombosis. Surgery involving a high risk of bleeding can require the discontinuance of both substances. In cases of high thrombosis risk, at least the acetylsalicyl acid should be continued until the day of surgery. For patients under antiplatelet therapy scheduled for local anaesthesia, national recommendations exist. A close collaboration between the anaesthesiologist, cardiologist and surgeon is essential for appropriate pre-, intra- and postoperative management.

Effect of a saponin-based surfactant and aging time on ruminal degradability of flaked corn grain dry matter and starch

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of a saponin-based surfactant, Grain Prep surfactant (GP), and hot flake aging time on starch characteristics and ruminal DM and starch degradability of steam-flaked corn grain. In 2 experiments, the moisture content of incoming corn was automatically adjusted using the Grain Prep Auto Delivery System to 19.8% (Exp. 1) and 18.5% (Exp. 2). The application rate of GP was 22 mg/kg (as-is basis). Control corn was treated with water alone. Processed corn in Exp. 2 was stored in insulated containers for 0, 4, 8, or 16 h. Flaked corn samples were incubated in the rumen of lactating dairy cows for 0, 2, 4, 6, 16, or 24 h. In Exp. 1, GP increased, compared with the control, the soluble fraction and effective degradability (ED) of DM by 17.2 and 8.6%, respectively. The ED of cornstarch was increased by 6.7%. In Exp. 2, the concentration of soluble DM and starch were increased by GP by 15 and 24% compared with the control. The ED of DM and starch were also increased by 3 and 4%, respectively. No differences in gelatinization temperatures were observed due to treatment, except that GP-treated grain had a slightly greater mean gelatinization enthalpy in Exp. 2. In a pilot study, DM degradability parameters were not affected by germination of the corn kernels. Aging of the hot flakes for up to 16 h resulted in a quadratic decrease in DM and starch ruminal degradability. The aging process affected starch gelatinization enthalpy values of flaked grain in a manner opposite to that observed for ruminal DM and starch degradation. This phenomenon was most likely explained by increased starch intramolecular associations or crystallinity associated with starch annealing, or both. This study confirmed our previous observations that Grain Prep surfactant increases flaked corn DM and starch degradability in the rumen. Because the rate of degradation was not affected by the surfactant, the increase in degradability was attributed mainly to increases in DM and starch solubility.

VITA study: white matter hyperintensities of vascular and degenerative origin in the elderly

The etiology of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) seen on T2-weighted cranial magnetic resonance images is a matter of debate. We investigated deep and periventricular WMH in the brains of a community-based cohort of 532 subjects aged 75-76 years. The objective of this study was to determine whether WMH at age of 75 years were associated rather with vascular factors than with degenerative factors. Arterial hypertension treated with antihypertensive drugs favored WMH, and WMH were found more frequently in subjects with focal vascular lesions. Additionally, we found significant associations between both, deep white matter and periventricular hyperintensities, and focal atrophy of medial temporal lobe structures. The odds ratio for deep WMH in subjects with more severe medial temporal atrophy was 4.4 (95%-CI: 1.9-9.8) that for periventricular hyperintensities was 3.9 (95%-CI: 1.7-8.8). These findings might indicate that not only vascular factors alone but also degenerative factors favor the occurrence of WMH after the age of 75 years.

Adaptation of epithelial sodium-dependent phosphate transport in jejunum and kidney of hens to variations in dietary phosphorus intake

The objective of this study was to explore the homeostatic response of jejunal and renal epithelia regarding the inorganic phosphate (P(i)) transport capacities to variations in dietary total phosphorus (tP) supply in hens. Adaptive processes were determined by quantitative measures of intake and excretion, P(i) transport studies across brush border membranes, and semiquantitative detection of sodium-dependent phosphate transporters (NaPi II) based on mRNA expression in the jejunum and kidney. Twelve hens (4/group) were adapted to 3 tP feeding levels in a pair-fed manner (60 g/d): low P diet with 0.073% tP, medium P diet with 0.204% tP, and high P diet with 0.343% tP. Excretion was measured during the last 5 d of a 16-d feeding period. After slaughtering, jejunal mucosa and renal cortex were removed. Tissues were used for (32)P uptake studies in brush-border membrane vesicles by rapid filtration technique and NaPi II mRNA expression studies by northern analyses. Plasma P(i) concentrations were additionally measured. The NaPi II transporter mRNA could specifically be detected in chicken jejunum and kidney. Functional parameters of Na(+)-dependent P(i) transport indicated that these transporters were involved in chicken P(i) transport across the apical membranes of jejunal and renal epithelia. Increased tP intake resulted in an increased overall tP excretion. Correlating individual data from all animals by linear regression highlighted that the adaptive decrease of renal P(i) transport capacity and NaPi IIa mRNA expression was associated with an increase in plasma P(i) levels and resulted in a higher tP excretion. Jejunal P(i) transport capacity and NaPi IIb mRNA expression did not react to variations in dietary tP supply. In conclusion, the homeostatic response was mainly based on the adaptive capacity of the kidney in hens.

Respiratory burst as a biomarker for stress responses

A module for the detection of immunotoxic events within the test system Triple-Lux to be used during spaceflights was developed. It is based on the production of reactive oxygen species within the respiratory burst during phagocytosis or after stimulation of the phagocytes with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). For this purpose, luminol-dependent chemiluminescence was measured. The assays were carried out with polymorphonuclear leukocytes purified from sheep peripheral blood. The influence of hydrocortisone and Cd2+ on the respiratory burst in polymorphonuclear leukocytes was assayed. Hydrocortisone in concentrations between 10(-4) and 10(-9) mol/liter showed an immunostimulating effect after PMA treatment. An immunosuppressive effect was observed for Cd2+ in concentrations between 10(-4) and 10(-7) mol/liter. Cryoconservation, which has often been critical for primary cells, can be accomplished without any subsequent loss of function by freezing the cells in dimethyl sulfoxide-containing medium.

Effect of Barley and Its Amylopectin Content on Ruminal Fermentation and Nitrogen Utilization in Lactating Dairy Cows

The effect of type of grain (corn vs. barley) and amylopectin content of barley grain (normal vs. waxy) on ruminal fermentation, digestibility, and utilization of ruminal ammonia nitrogen for milk protein synthesis was studied in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design trial with 6 lactating dairy cows. The experimental treatments were (proportion of dietary dry matter): CORN, 40% corn grain, NBAR, 30% normal Baronesse barley:10% corn grain, and WBAR, 30% high-amylopectin (waxy) Baronesse barley:10% corn grain. All grains were steam-rolled and fed as part of a total mixed ration. The NBAR and WBAR diets resulted in increased ruminal ammonia concentrations compared with CORN (8.2, 7.4, and 5.6 mM, respectively), but other ruminal fermentation parameters were not affected. Ruminal digestibility of dietary nutrients and microbial protein synthesis in the rumen were also not affected by diet. Corn grain had greater in situ effective ruminal dry matter degradability (62.8%) than the barley grains (58.2 and 50.7%, respectively), and degradability of the normal barley starch was greater than that of the waxy barley (69.3 and 58.9%, respectively). A greater percentage of relative starch crystallinity was observed for the waxy compared with the normal barley grain. Total tract apparent digestibility of dry matter and organic matter were decreased by WBAR compared with CORN and NBAR. Total tract starch digestibility was greater and milk urea nitrogen content was lower for CORN compared with the 2 barley diets. In this study, the extent of processing of the grain component of the diet was most likely the factor that determined the diet responses. Minimal processing of barley grain (processing indexes of 79.2 to 87.9%) reduced its total tract digestibility of starch compared with steam-rolled corn (processing index of 58.8%). As a result of the increased ammonia concentration and reduced degradability of barley dry matter in the rumen, the utilization of ruminal ammonia nitrogen for microbial protein synthesis was decreased with the barley diets compared with the corn-based diet. In this study, waxy Baronesse barley was less degradable in the rumen and the total digestive tract than its normal counterpart. The most likely reasons for these effects were the differences in starch characteristics and chemical composition, and perhaps the different response to processing between the 2 barleys.

The effects of dietary phosphorus deficiency on surface pH and membrane composition of the mucosa epithelium in caprine jejunum

In ruminants, the uptake of inorganic phosphate (P(i)) across the intestinal mucosa epithelium by Na-dependent and Na-independent mechanisms is a main regulatory factor in P homeostasis. The aim of the study was to elucidate to which extent Na-independent mechanisms, including pH effects or composition of mucosal brush-border membranes, could be involved in positive stimulation of P(i) absorptive processes seen under the P deficient condition. Therefore, luminal, surface and intracellular pH of the jejunal epithelial cells in control and P depleted goats were compared and biochemical analyses of membrane phospholipids in the apical membrane of the jejunal epithelium were performed. Dietary P depletion resulted in decreased plasma P(i) levels. While pH in jejunal ingesta was not significantly changed, P depletion resulted in a significantly lower surface pH in the crypt region compared to control animals (7.62 +/- 0.02 vs. 7.77 +/- 0.04, n = 4, P < 0.01). Inhibition of apical Na(+)/H(+)-exchange resulted in an increase of the jejunal surface pH in P depleted animals by 0.07 +/- 0.01 (n = 6, P < 0.01) and 0.05 +/- 0.01 (n = 6, P < 0.01) for the villus and the crypt region, respectively. This increase were inversely correlated with the initial surface pH prior to inhibition. In contrast to surface pH, intracellular pH of the jejunal epithelium and the phospholipid composition of the apical jejunal membrane were not affected by P depletion. Although the data suggest the existence of a Na(+)/H(+)-exchange mechanism at the luminal surface of goat jejunum they do not support the hypothesis that adaptational processes of active P(i) absorption from goat jejunum in response to low dietary P could be based on "non P(i) transporter events".

Shrinking of anionic polyacrylate coils induced by Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+: a combined light scattering and ASAXS study

Anionic polyacrylate chains (NaPA) form precipitates if alkaline earth cations are added in stoichiometric amounts. Accordingly, precipitation thresholds were established for three different alkaline earth cations Ca(2+), Sr(2+) and Ba(2+). Close to the precipitation threshold, the NaPA chains significantly decrease in size. This shrinking process was followed by means of combined static and dynamic light scattering. Intermediates were generated by varying the ratio [MCl(2)]/[NaPA] with M denoting the respective alkaline earth cation. All experiments were performed at an inert salt level of 0.01M NaCl. Similar coil-to-sphere transitions could be observed with all three alkaline earth cations Ca(2+), Sr(2+) and Ba(2+). Based on these findings, supplementary conventional and anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering experiments using selected intermediates close to the precipitation threshold of SrPA were performed. The distribution of Sr counterions around the polyacrylate chains in aqueous solution provided the desired scattering contrast. Energy-dependent scattering experiments enabled successful separation of the pure-resonant terms, which solely stem from the counterions. The Sr(2+) scattering roughly reflects the monomer distribution of the polyacrylate chains. Different ratios of the concentrations of [ SrCl(2)]/[NaPA] revealed dramatic changes in the scattering curves. The scattering curve at the lowest ratio indicated an almost coil-like behaviour, while at the higher ratios the scattering curves supported the model of highly contracted polymer chains. Most of X-ray scattering experiments on intermediate states revealed compact structural elements which were significantly smaller than the respective overall size of the NaPA particles.

Statins decrease TNF-alpha-induced osteoprotegerin production by endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in vitro

Recent reports have implicated osteoprotegerin (OPG) in cardiovascular disease processes. Endothelial and smooth muscle cells produce OPG and its expression in these cells is upregulated by inflammatory mediators. Statins, which besides their lipid lowering properties have various vasculoprotective effects, have been shown to regulate OPG expression in osteoblasts. We investigated whether statins affect the expression of OPG in human endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Using an ELISA we could demonstrate that statins reduce tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced OPG production in cultured human endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Atorvastatin also downregulated interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha)-induced OPG production in endothelial cells. A significant reduction of TNF-alpha-induced OPG was seen when statins were used in the nanomolar range. These results were confirmed at the level of specific mRNA expression by real-time-PCR. Using LDH leakage as a marker of cell damage we show that cell viability was not affected by statins at concentrations used in our study. The effect of statins on TNF-alpha-induced OPG production was reversed by mevalonate and geranyl-geranyl pyrophosphate at the level of protein production and at the level of mRNA expression, suggesting that it was brought about by inhibition of the mevalonic acid pathway and protein prenylation. Through our results we have added OPG to the list of molecules whose TNF-alpha-induced upregulation is counteracted by statins. If such an effect is also operative in the in vivo setting, one could postulate a role for statins in the modulation of cardiovascular disease processes possibly regulated by OPG.