The association of CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism with colorectal cancer risk in a Chinese Han population

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is expressed in T cells and plays an important role in the regulation of T cell. CTLA-4 has long been considered to be associated with various kinds of diseases. With the attempt to examine the association between CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk in a Chinese Han population, we employed TaqMan assay to genotype the CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism in 311 colorectal cancer cases and 389 cancer-free controls. We found evidence of the association between CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk (GG vs. AA: OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.29-3.07, P = 0.002; GA vs. AA: OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.53-3.57, P = 0.001; GA + GG vs. AA: OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.46-3.21, P = 0.001). Next, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively examine the association between CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk. We found a significant association between CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk among Asians, which is consistent with our result. However, we found no evidence for the association between CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk among Caucasians. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the CTLA-4 A49G polymorphism increased the susceptibility of colorectal cancer in Asian population.

Altered structural covariance of the striatum in functional dyspepsia patients

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is thought to be involved in dysregulation within the brain-gut axis. Recently, altered striatum activation has been reported in patients with FD. However, the gray matter (GM) volumes in the striatum and structural covariance patterns of this area are rarely explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the GM volumes and structural covariance patterns of the striatum between FD patients and healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were obtained from 44 FD patients and 39 HCs. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was adopted to examine the GM volumes in the two groups. The caudate- or putamen-related regions identified from VBM analysis were then used as seeds to map the whole brain voxel-wise structural covariance patterns. Finally, a correlation analysis was used to investigate the effects of FD symptoms on the striatum.

KEY RESULTS

The results showed increased GM volumes in the bilateral putamen and right caudate. Compared with the structural covariance patterns of the HCs, the FD-related differences were mainly located in the amygdala, hippocampus/parahippocampus (HIPP/paraHIPP), thalamus, lingual gyrus, and cerebellum. And significant positive correlations were found between the volumes in the striatum and the FD duration in the patients.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

These findings provided preliminary evidence for GM changes in the striatum and different structural covariance patterns in patients with FD. The current results might expand our understanding of the pathophysiology of FD.

Kisspeptin-10 enhanced egg production in quails associated with the increase of triglyceride synthesis in liver

Our previous results showed that kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) injections via intraperitoneal (i.p.) once daily for three weeks notably promoted the egg laying rate in quails. In order to investigate the mechanism behind the effects of Kp-10 on enhancing the egg laying rate in birds, this study focused on the alternations of lipids synthesis in liver after Kp-10 injections. 75 female quails (22 d of age) were allocated to three groups randomly, and subjected to 0 (control, Con), 10 nmol (low dosage, L) and 100 nmol (high dosage, H) Kp-10 injections via i.p. once daily for three weeks, respectively. At d 52, quails were sacrificed and sampled for further analyses. Serum E2 concentration was increased by Kp-10 injections, and reached statistical significance in H group. Serum triglyceride (TG) concentrations were increased by 46.7% in L group and 36.8% in H group, respectively, but did not reach statistical significance, and TG contents in liver were significantly elevated by Kp-10 injections in a dose-dependent manner. Serum total cholesterol (Tch) concentrations significantly decreased in H group, while in H group the hepatic Tch content was markedly increased. The level of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), apolipoprotein A1 and B (apoA1 and apoB) were not altered by Kp-10 injections. The genes expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthetase (FAS), apolipoprotein VLDL-II (apoVLDL-II), cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and vitellogenin II (VTG-II) were significantly up-regulated by high but not low dosage of Kp-10 injection compared to the control group. However, the expression of SREBP-2, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCα), malic enzyme (ME), stearoyl-CoA (Δ9) desaturase 1 (SCD1), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2), 3-hydroxyl-3-methyl glutaryl-coenzyme A reductases (HMGCR), estrogen receptor α, β (ERα and β) mRNA were not affected by Kp-10 treatment. In line with hepatic mRNA abundance, hepatic SREBP1 protein content was significantly higher in H group. Although the mRNA expression was not altered, the content of ERα protein in liver was also significantly increased in H group. However, SREBP-2 protein content in liver was not changed by Kp-10 treatment. In conclusion, exogenous Kp-10 consecutive injections during juvenile stage significantly advanced the tempo of egg laying in quails, which was associated with the significant elevation in hepatic lipids synthesis and transport.

Optically controllable THz chiral metamaterials

Switchable and tunable chiral metamaterial response is numerically demonstrated here in different uniaxial chiral metamaterial structures operating in the THz regime. The structures are based on the bi-layer conductor design and the tunable/switchable response is achieved by replacing parts of the metallic components of the structures by photoconducting Si, which can be transformed from an insulating to an almost conducting state through photoexcitation, achievable under external optical pumping. All the structures proposed and discussed here exhibit frequency regions with giant tunable circular dichroism, as well as regions with giant tunable optical activity, showing unique potential in the achievement of active THz polarization components, like tunable polarizers and polarization filters.

Effects of Saskatoon berry powder on monocyte adhesion to vascular wall of leptin receptor-deficient diabetic mice

HYPOTHESIS

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of death in diabetic patients. Monocyte adhesion is an early event for atherogenesis. Previous studies demonstrated that dark-skin berries had cardiovascular protective effects. We hypothesize that Saskatoon berry (SB) powder may reduce monocyte adhesion in leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) diabetic mice.

METHODS

Wild-type and db/db mice were fed with chow or supplemented with SB powder. Anthocyanins in SB powder were identified using mass spectrometry. Mouse monocytes were incubated with mouse aorta. Monocyte adhesion was counted under microscopy. Inflammatory or metabolic markers in blood or tissue were analyzed using immunological or biochemical methods.

RESULTS

SB powder significantly reduced monocyte adhesion to aorta from diabetic db/db mice compared to regular chow. The increased monocyte adhesion to aorta was normalized in db/db mice treated with ≥5% of SB powder for 4 weeks. Increased contents of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH) oxidase-4, heat shock factor-1, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, P-selectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 and urokinase plasminogen activator in aorta or heart apex, elevated plasma PAI-1 and MCP-1 were detected in db/db mice on chow compared to wild-type mice on the same diet; 5% SB powder inhibited the increases of inflammatory, fibrinolytic or stress regulators in aorta or heart apex of db/db mice. Monocyte adhesion positively correlated with blood glucose, cholesterol, body weight, heart MCP-1, PAI-1 or ICAM-1.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that SB powder attenuated monocyte adhesion to aorta of db/db mice, which was potentially mediated through inhibiting the inflammatory, stress and/or fibrinolyic regulators.

Characterization and full genome sequence analysis of a Chinese isolate of tomato chlorosis virus

KEYWORDS

crinivirus; complete nucleotide sequence; tomato; sequence analysis.

A novel flow-diverting device (Tubridge) for the treatment of 28 large or giant intracranial aneurysms: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Tubridge flow diverter is a novel device developed in China and aimed at reconstructing the parent artery and occluding the aneurysm. We conducted this study to evaluate its feasibility, safety, and efficacy for the treatment of large or giant internal carotid artery aneurysms, which are still challenging with conventional therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical and angiographic data of 28 patients with 28 large or giant internal carotid artery aneurysms treated with Tubridge flow diverters were prospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-three Tubridge flow diverters were successfully implanted except for 1 poor midstent opening; the result was a technical success rate of 97.0% (32/33). Follow-up angiographies were available for 25 aneurysms; the mean follow-up was 9.9 months (5-24 months). Of the 25 aneurysms, 18 (72.0%) were completely occluded, 6 (24.0%) were improved, and 1 (4.0%) was unchanged. All of the visible covered branches and parent arteries were patent, with no stenosis or obliteration. During a follow-up of 6-30 months (mean, 19 months), symptoms were resolved in 13 patients, improved in 6 patients, and unchanged in 4 patients. Five patients experienced transient clinical deterioration due to a postoperative increased mass effect. Procedure-related morbidity and mortality were both zero.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary experience shows that the Tubridge flow diverter is a safe and effective tool for treating large and giant internal carotid artery aneurysms. However, multicenter randomized trials and studies involving a long-term follow-up are necessary.

Differential expression of hypothalamic fear- and stress-related genes in broiler chickens showing short or long tonic immobility

The serotonin system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis play important roles in modulating fear and stress-coping characteristics. Tonic immobility (TI) is a fear-related phenotype, and previously we have shown that broiler chickens showing short TI (STI) duration experience better growth performance and higher adaptability to stress. Here, we sought to further elucidate the central mechanisms underlying the phenotypic differences between chickens showing STI and long TI duration, by comparing the hypothalamic expression of genes in the serotonergic system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis under basal and corticosterone-exposed situations. The STI broilers had significantly lower (P < 0.01) hypothalamic expression of serotonin reuptake transporter and serotonin receptor 1A. Moreover, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 was expressed significantly lower in STI chickens at the level of both mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein (P < 0.05). Hypothalamic expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA tended to be higher (P < 0.059) in long TI chickens, but the protein content was approximately 2 times higher (P < 0.01) in STI chickens. The uncoupled expression of GR mRNA and protein was associated with significantly lower (P < 0.05) expression of gga-miR-181a, gga-miR-211, and gga-miR-22, which are predicted to target GR, in STI chickens. Corticosterone administration reduced the mRNA expression of postsynaptic serotonin receptors, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (P = 0.059) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 7 (P < 0.05), yet significantly increased the protein content of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (P < 0.05). These results suggest that broilers of different TI phenotypes have a distinct pattern of hypothalamic expression of fear- and stress-related genes.

Involvement of fibrinolytic regulators in adhesion of monocytes to vascular endothelial cells induced by glycated LDL and to aorta from diabetic mice

Diabetes mellitus accelerates the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Monocyte adhesion is an early cellular event of atherogenesis. Elevated levels of glyLDL were common in diabetic patients. Our previous studies indicated that HSF1 and p22-phox (a subunit of the NOX complex) were involved in glyLDL-induced up-regulation of PAI-1 in vascular EC. The present study demonstrated that glyLDL significantly increased the adhesion of monocytes to the surface of cultured human umbilical vein or PAEC. Transfection of siRNA for PAI-1, p22-phox, or HSF1 in EC prevented glyLDL-induced monocyte adhesion to EC. uPA siRNA increased monocyte adhesion to EC. Exogenous uPA reduced monocyte adhesion induced by glyLDL or uPA siRNA. Exogenous PAI-1 restored monocyte adhesion to EC inhibited by PAI-1 siRNA or uPA. GlyLDL-induced monocyte adhesion to EC was inhibited by treatment of EC with RAP, an antagonist for LRP, and enhanced by uPAR antibody. The adhesion of monocytes to aorta from leptin db/db diabetic mice was significantly greater than to that from control mice, which was associated with elevated contents of PAI-1, uPA, p22-phox, and HSF1 in hearts of db/db mice. The results suggest that oxidative stress and fibrinolytic regulators (PAI-1, uPA, and uPAR) are implicated in the modulation of glyLDL-induced monocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium, which may play a crucial role in vascular inflammation under diabetes-associated metabolic disorder.

Large magnetoelectric coupling in Co4Nb2O9

Magnetoelectric materials which simultaneously exhibit electric polarization and magnetism have attracted more and more attention due to their novel physical properties and promising applications for next-generation devices. Exploring new materials with outstanding magnetoelectric performance, especially the manipulation of magnetization by electric field, is of great importance. Here, we demonstrate the cross-coupling between magnetic and electric orders in polycrystalline Co₄Nb₂O₉, in which not only magnetic-field-induced electric polarization but also electric field control of magnetism is observed. These results reveal rich physical phenomenon and potential applications in this compound.

Abstract P3-01-04: Obesity induces functional transcriptomic changes enhancing the cancer hallmarks of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Obesity increases the risk of cancer death among postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, but the direct evidence for the mechanisms is lacking. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate direct evidence for the mechanisms mediating this epidemiologic phenomenon. Transcriptomic profiles of pretreatment biopsies from a prospective cohort of 137 ER+ breast cancer patients were analyzed. A transgenic and an orthotopic/syngeneic obese mouse models were created to phenocopy obese patients and evaluate the effect of obesity on breast carcinogenesis and tumor progression, and to explore further direct mechanisms. Functional transcriptomic analysis of untreated human ER+ breast cancer revealed that obesity was associated with increased insulin signaling among others. Many of the functional changes in obese patients were linked to cancer hallmarks. Obese mouse models recapitulated the functional transcriptomic landscape of obesity-associated changes seen in human ER+ breast cancer and demonstrated the role of the Akt/mTOR pathway in obesity-induced breast carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Functional transcriptomic analysis identified 85 biological functions common to humans and mice. An in vitro co-culture model revealed that adipocyte-secreted adipokines (e.g., TIMP-1) regulate adipocyte-induced breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The human transcriptomic data provided direct evidence for the roles of hyperinsulinemia, estrogen signaling, adipokine secretion, and inflammation in the link between obesity and ER+ breast cancer. Our animal experiments provide strong evidence for the causal relationship between obesity and accelerated carcinogenesis and cancer progression and for potential therapeutic interventions by blocking these signaling pathways.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-01-04.

Regulatory role of NADPH oxidase in glycated LDL-induced upregulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and heat shock factor-1 in mouse embryo fibroblasts and diabetic mice

Cardiovascular disease is the predominant cause of death in diabetic patients. Fibroblasts are one of the major types of cells in the heart or vascular wall. Increased levels of glycated low-density lipoprotein (glyLDL) were detected in diabetic patients. Previous studies in our group demonstrated that oxidized LDL increased the amounts of NADPH oxidase (NOX), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and heat shock factor-1 (HSF1) in fibroblasts. This study examined the expression of NOX, PAI-1, and HSF1 in glyLDL-treated wild-type or HSF1-deficient mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) and in leptin receptor-knockout (db/db) diabetic mice. Treatment with physiologically relevant levels of glyLDL increased superoxide and H2O2 release and the levels of NOX4 and p22phox (an essential component of multiple NOX complexes) in wild-type or HSF1-deficient MEFs. The levels of HSF1 and PAI-1 were increased by glyLDL in wild-type MEFs, but not in HSF1-deficient MEFs. Diphenyleneiodonium (a nonspecific NOX inhibitor) or small interfering RNA for p22phox prevented glyLDL-induced increases in the levels of NOX4, HSF1, or PAI-1 in MEFs. The amounts of NOX4, HSF1, and PAI-1 were elevated in hearts of db/db diabetic mice compared to wild-type mice. The results suggest that glyLDL increased the abundance of NOX4 or p22phox via an HSF1-independent pathway, but that of PAI-1 via an HSF1-dependent manner. NOX4 plays a crucial role in glyLDL-induced expression of HSF1 and PAI-1 in mouse fibroblasts. Increased expression of NOX4, HSF1, and PAI-1 was detected in cardiovascular tissue of diabetic mice.

miRNA-374 regulates dexamethasone-induced differentiation of primary cultures of porcine adipocytes

To investigate the effect of glucocorticoid on adipocytes metabolism and miRNAs that may be involved in adipocyte differentiation, primary porcine preadipocytes were treated with 10-6 M dexamethasone and RU486 (a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist) for 48 h. PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ), and C/EBP-β (CCTTA enhancer binding protein-β) gene and protein expression were measured. The expressions of miRNAs predicted to directly target C/EBP-β were determined, and the functions of the potential miRNAs were verified. The results showed that the triglyceride content in cultured adipocytes increased significantly after 10-6 M dexamethasone treatment for 48 h, whereas the cell viability did not differ among the four groups (

CONTROL

10-6 M dexamethasone; 10-6 M RU486: 10-6 M dexamethasone+10-6 M RU486) (p>0.05). Cells treated with dexamethasone for 48 h significantly upregulated perilipin and PPAR-γ gene expression, and PPAR-γ protein expression was also significantly increased. However, C/EBP-β mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly decreased. Both miR-374a and miR-374b, targeting the C/EBP-β 3'-UTR (3'-untranslated region), were significantly increased. Dual luciferase activity assay results indicated that miR-374a/b was directly recognised and bound to the 3'-UTR of C/EBP-β and thereby suppressed C/EBP-β gene expression. The present study showed that 10-6 M dexamethasone promotes lipid accumulation in primary cultures of porcine preadipocytes. PPAR-γ and C/EBP-β protein abundance showed differences after 48 h dexamethasone treatment; miR-374a/b may be involved in regulating of C/EBP-β expression. These results provide new targets for further regulation of porcine lipid metabolism.

The safety and efficacy of stenting in the treatment of complex posterior cerebral artery aneurysms: a seven-case report and literature review

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of stenting with coil in the endovascular treatment of complex posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms.

METHODS

The data on PCA aneurysms treated with stents were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively collected intervention database. The literature was reviewed concerning the use of stents for PCA aneurysms.

RESULTS

Seven cases with complex PCA aneurysms (male: female = 6:1; ruptured: unruptured = 4:3) were retrieved from our database. Three aneurysms were localized at the junction of P1 and P2 segments (P1-2), two at P1, and two at P2A. Four were wide-necked saccular aneurysms, while the other three were dissecting ones. A total of nine stents (one Neuroform and eight Enterprise stents) were successfully deployed. Two aneurysms were totally eliminated, three were with neck residues and two were partially occluded. No procedure-related complications occurred. All patients recovered well. Angiographic follow-ups (FU) showed that three aneurysms achieved total obliterations, one got improved, two remained stable, and one recurred. The recurred aneurysm caused no symptom and was treated with two stents. Clinical FU demonstrated no neurological deterioration or bleeding. In literature review, the procedure-related mortality is 5.3 % (2/38). The incidence of permanent neurologic deficit is 2.6 % (1/38). Three (3/23) aneurysms recurred, of which one caused rebleeding. Four (4/23) in-stent stenoses were all asymptomatic. No other hemorrhagic or ischemic event occurred in clinical FU.

CONCLUSION

Stent offers a therapeutic alternative for complex PCA aneurysms especially when PVO cannot be tolerated. Long-term therapeutic efficacy requires further observations in clinical series with larger case numbers.

Optimization of salt adsorption rate in membrane capacitive deionization

Membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) is a water desalination technique based on applying a cell voltage between two oppositely placed porous electrodes sandwiching a spacer channel that transports the water to be desalinated. In MCDI, ion-exchange membranes are positioned in front of each porous electrode to prevent co-ions from leaving the electrode region during ion adsorption, thereby enhancing the salt adsorption capacity. MCDI can be operated at constant cell voltage (CV), or at a constant electrical current (CC). In this paper, we present both experimental and theoretical results for desalination capacity and rate in MCDI (both in the CV- and the CC-mode) as function of adsorption/desorption time, salt feed concentration, electrical current, and cell voltage. We demonstrate how by varying each parameter individually, it is possible to systematically optimize the parameter settings of a given system to achieve the highest average salt adsorption rate and water recovery.

Effects of glycated low-density lipoprotein on cell viability, proliferation, and growth factors of mouse embryo fibroblasts

The predominant cause of death in diabetic patients is atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). Major gross cellular changes in the vascular wall of persons with CAD include endothelial injury and foam cell formation, as well as smooth muscle cell and fibroblast proliferation. This study examined the effects of glycated low density lipoprotein (glyLDL), a biochemical marker of diabetes, on cell viability, proliferation, and the expression of multiple growth factors in mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF). The results demonstrated that exposure to ≥150 μg/mL of glyLDL for 24 h or 100 μg/mL of glyLDL for ≥48 h either significantly reduced cell viability or increased DNA fragmentation in MEF. GlyLDL treatment (25-100 μg/mL for up to 12 h) significantly increased the abundance of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and achieved a peak after 4 h exposure to glyLDL. Abundances of fibroblast growth factor-basic (FGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF), and platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF) in MEF reached maximal levels after 2 h exposure to 50 μg/mL of glyLDL. The maximal increase of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected in MEF after 4 h of exposure to 50 μg/mL of glyLDL. Inhibitors for FGF (AZD4547), VEGF, or PDGF receptors (Axitinib), but not that for TGF receptor (LY364947), significantly decreased the abundance of (PCNA) in endothelial cells. The findings suggest that early exposure to a low dosage of glyLDL transiently increases the proliferation of MEF through the upregulation of FGF, VEGF, and (or) PDGF, and prolonged exposure to high concentrations of glyLDL reduced cell viability, which possibly accelerates atherogenesis under diabetic condition.

Impact of cyanidin-3-glucoside on glycated LDL-induced NADPH oxidase activation, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell viability in cultured vascular endothelial cells

Elevated levels of glycated low density lipoprotein (glyLDL) are frequently detected in diabetic patients. Previous studies demonstrated that glyLDL increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activated NADPH oxidase (NOX) and suppressed mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) enzyme activities in vascular endothelial cells (EC). The present study examined the effects of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), a type of anthocyanin abundant in dark-skinned berries, on glyLDL-induced ROS production, NOX activation and mETC enzyme activity in porcine aortic EC (PAEC). Co-treatment of C3G prevented glyLDL-induced upregulation of NOX4 and intracellular superoxide production in EC. C3G normalized glyLDL-induced inhibition on the enzyme activities of mETC Complex I and III, as well as the abundances of NADH dehydrogenase 1 in Complex I and cytochrome b in Complex III in EC. Blocking antibody for the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) prevented glyLDL-induced changes in NOX and mETC enzymes. Combination of C3G and RAGE antibody did not significantly enhance glyLDL-induced inhibition of NOX or mETC enzymes. C3G reduced glyLDL-induced RAGE expression with the presence of RAGE antibody. C3G prevented prolonged incubation with the glyLDL-induced decrease in cell viability and the imbalance between key regulators for cell viability (cleaved caspase 3 and B cell Lyphoma-2) in EC. The findings suggest that RAGE plays an important role in glyLDL-induced oxidative stress in vascular EC. C3G may prevent glyLDL-induced NOX activation, the impairment of mETC enzymes and cell viability in cultured vascular EC.