Ficolin-A Enhances Inhibition of the C-Terminal 19 kDa Region of Merozoite Surface Protein-1 of Plasmodium berghei Using Test In Vivo

BACKGROUND

Malaria remains a serious public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to identify whether ficolin-A could play an active role of against malaria infection.

METHODS

The function of ficolin-A was analyzed in mouse model. The open reading frame of ficolin-A was cloned from the liver of new born C57BL/6 mice by RT-PCR and then inserted into the expression vector of eukaryon to construct pVAX1-ficolin-A plasmid. Meanwhile, the open reading frame of the 19-kDa fragment of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium berghei (MSP119) was cloned and then the expression vector of eukaryon, pVAX1- MSP119 was constructed. Both recombinant vectors were used in the mouse model of infection by Plasmodium berghei.

RESULTS

pVAX1-ficolin-A alone could not significantly suppress parasite density and prolong survival time of infection mice; however, when injected pVAX1-ficolin-A and pVAX1-MSP119 together, the percent of invasion by Plasmodium was decreased (from 43.78% to 22.23% at 10 day after infection, compared to vector) and the survival time was prolonged significantly in the infection mouse model (P=0.01).

CONCLUSION

Ficolin-A can enhance the immunoprotection of MSP119, it implies ficolin-A may be used as immunoenhancer in the study of vaccine defending malaria.

Involvement of PI3K/Akt pathway in the neuroprotective effect of Sonic hedgehog on cortical neurons under oxidative stress

The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in neurogenesis and brain damage repair. Our previous work demonstrated that the SHH signaling pathway was involved in the neuroprotection of cortical neurons against oxidative stress. The present study was aimed to further examine the underlying mechanism. The cortical neurons were obtained from one-day old Sprague-Dawley neonate rats. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2), 100 μmol/L) was used to treat neurons for 24 h to induce oxidative stress. Exogenous SHH (3 μg/mL) was employed to activate the SHH pathway, and cyclopamine (20 μmol/L), a specific SHH signal inhibitor, to block SHH pathway. LY294002 (20 μmol/L) were used to pre-treat the neurons 30 min before H(2)O(2) treatment and selectively inhibit the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. The cell viability was measured by MTT and apoptosis rate by flow cytometry analysis. The expression of p38, p-p38, ERK, p-ERK, Akt, p-Akt, Bcl-2, and Bax in neurons was detected by immunoblotting. The results showed that as compared with H(2)O(2) treatment, exogenous SHH could increase the expression of p-Akt by 20% and decrease the expression of p-ERK by 33%. SHH exerted no significant effect on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway. Blockade of PI3K/Akt pathway by LY294002 decreased the cell viability by 17% and increased the cell apoptosis rate by 2-fold. LY294002 treatment could up-regulate the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax by 12% and down-regulate the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 by 54%. In conclusion, SHH pathway may activate PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibit the activation of the ERK pathway in neurons under oxidative stress. The PI3K/Akt pathway plays a key role in the neuroprotection of SHH. SHH/PI3K/Bcl-2 pathway may be implicated in the protection of neurons against H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis.

Overexpression of ubiquitin-specific protease 22 predicts poor survival in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer

Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22), a novel ubiquitin hydrolase, has been implicated in oncogenesis and cancer progression in various types of human cancer. However, the clinical significance of USP22 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been determined. In the present study, USP22 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis in 30 cases of NSCLC and in corresponding non-tumor tissue samples. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was performed to detect USP22 protein expression in 86 primary tumor tissues derived from clinically annotated NSCLC cases at stage I-II. In our analysis we found that both USP22 mRNA and protein levels in NSCLC tissues were significantly higher than those in corresponding non-tumor tissues and that there was a significant correlation between the expression of USP22 mRNA and protein (P=0.000, κ=0.732). In addition, a high-level of USP22 expression was observed in 53.3% (39 out of 86) cases and it was correlated with large tumor size (P=0.029) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.026). Patients with tumors displaying a high-level of USP22 expression showed significantly shorter survival (P=0.006, log-rank test). Importantly, multivariate analysis showed that high USP22 protein expression was an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC patients (P=0.003). In sum, our data suggest that USP22 plays an important role in NSCLC progression at the early stage, and that overexpression of USP22 in tumor tissues could be used as a potential prognostic marker for patients with early clinical stage of NSCLC.

A single intramuscular injection of rAAV-mediated mutant erythropoietin protects against MPTP-induced parkinsonism

Erythropoietin (Epo) is neuroprotective in a number of preparations, but can lead to unacceptably high and even lethal hematocrit levels. Recent reports show that modified Epo variants confer neuroprotection in models of glaucoma and retinal degeneration without raising hematocrit. In this study, neuroprotective effects of two Epo variants (EpoR76E and EpoS71E) were assessed in a model of Parkinson's disease. The constructs were packaged in recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors and injected intramuscularly. After 3 weeks, mice received five daily injections of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and were killed 5 weeks later. The MPTP-lesioned mice pretreated with rAAV.eGFP (negative control) exhibited a 7- to 9-Hz tremor and slower latencies to move on a grid test (akinesia). Both of these symptomatic features were absent in mice pretreated with either modified Epo construct. The rAAV.eGFP-treated mice lesioned with MPTP exhibited a 41% reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the substantia nigra. The rAAV.EpoS71E construct did not protect nigral neurons, but neuronal loss in mice pretreated with rAAV.EpoR76E was only half that of rAAV.eGFP controls. Although dopamine levels were normal in all groups, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) was significantly reduced only in MPTP-lesioned mice pretreated with rAAV.eGFP, indicating reduced dopamine turnover. Analysis of TH-positive fibers in the striatum showed normalized density in MPTP-lesioned mice pretreated with rAAV.EpoS71E, suggesting that enhanced sprouting induced by EpoS71E may have been responsible for normal behavior and dopaminergic tone in these mice. These results show that systemically administered rAAV-generated non-erythropoietic Epo may protect against MPTP-induced parkinsonism by a combination of neuroprotection and enhanced axonal sprouting.

The M694V mutation in Armenian-Americans: a 10-year retrospective study of MEFV mutation testing for familial Mediterranean fever at UCLA

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, is a systemic auto-inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of fever with peritonitis, pleuritis, synovitis and erysipeloid rash. The marenostrin-encoding fever (MEFV) gene, located on chromosome 16p13.3, is the only gene in which mutations are currently known to cause FMF. To correlate specific genotypes with adverse phenotypes of affected populations residing in the Western United States, a retrospective case series review was conducted of all MEFV gene mutation testing completed at UCLA Clinical Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory between February 2002 and February 2012, followed by clinical chart review of all subjects who either have a single or double mutation. All 12 common mutations in the MEFV gene were analyzed and the M694V variant was found to be associated with an adverse FMF clinical outcome in the Armenian-American population, manifested by earlier onset of disease, increased severity of disease, and renal amyloidosis.

Polymorphisms in the promoter of the CD14 gene and their associations with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis

Although the role of CD14 in recognizing Mycobacterium tuberculosis is well-understood, the possible role of polymorphisms in susceptibility to develop tuberculosis remains unclear. This study evaluates whether there is an association of polymorphisms within the promoter of the CD14 gene with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis. In a case-control study, we genotyped the eight known single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs within the promoter of the CD14 gene of 698 Han Chinese subjects. Statistically significant differences between tuberculosis patients and healthy controls were found for G-1619A, T-1359G, A-1145G, and C-159T. The haplotype-GGGT, composed of these four SNPs, exhibited a significant association with the disease. Furthermore, expression levels of soluble CD14 were significantly higher in tuberculosis patients with the GGGT haplotype than with other haplotypes, while IgE expression levels were significantly reduced. Our results suggest that these four SNPs within the promoter of the CD14 gene are associated with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis.

Estimating influenza-related sick leave in Norway: Was work absenteeism higher during the 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic compared to seasonal epidemics?

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches

Estimating influenza-related sick leave in Norway: was work absenteeism higher during the 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic compared to seasonal epidemics?

The impact of influenza on work absenteeism is poorly documented. We used data from the national registry and Norway Post AS (>14,000 employees) to explore sickness absence patterns from 2005/06 through 2009/10 in Norway. Annually, an estimated 2.868% (mean 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.405-4.820%) of the working population obtained sick leave for influenza, of whom 0.915% (mean 95% CI: 0.453-1.590%) had diagnoses for other respiratory illnesses with influenza as underlying cause. In the 2009/10 pandemic season, the absence rate increased 1.5-fold, mainly due to a 73% increase in influenza-diagnosed sick leaves. At Norway Post AS, absence related to seasonal influenza accounted for 0.351% (mean 95% CI: 0.126-0.704%) of total person-days annually (excluding parental care absence), of which 32-43% were estimated to be self-certified. Medically certified sick leave increased 1.3-fold in the pandemic season to 0.458% (95% CI: 0.176-0.856), while self-certified sick leave remained at a level typical for seasonal influenza. We found a significant four-fold increase in work loss to care for sick children, 0.048% (95% CI: 0.031-0.070%) of person-days, compared with 0.012% (95% CI: 0.004-0.028%) in 2008/09. In conclusion, GP-certified and parental care work absence were higher in the pandemic season. More studies are needed to quantify the burden of self-certified sick leave.

Crystal structure of the native plasminogen reveals an activation-resistant compact conformation

BACKGROUND

Plasminogen is the zymogen form of plasmin and the precursor of angiostatin. It has been implicated in a variety of disease states, including thrombosis, bleeding and cancers. The native plasminogen, known as Glu-plasminogen, contains seven domains comprising the N-terminal peptide domain (NTP), five kringle domains (K1-K5) and the C-terminal serine protease domain (SP). Previous studies have established that the lysine binding site (LBS) of the conserved kringle domains plays a crucial role in mediating the regulation of plasminogen function. However, details of the related conformational mechanism are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to understand in more detail the conformational mechanism of plasminogen activation involving the kringles.

METHODS

We crystallized the native plasminogen under physiologically relevant conditions and determined the structure at 3.5 Å resolution. We performed structural analyses and related these to the literature data to gain critical understanding of the plasminogen activation.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The structure reveals the precise architecture of the quaternary complex. It shows that the Glu-plasminogen renders its compact form as an activation-resistant conformation for the proteolytic activation. The LBSs of all kringles, except K1, are engaged in intra-molecular interactions while only K1-LBS is readily available for ligand binding or receptor anchorage. The structure also provides insights into the interactions between plasminogen and α2-antiplasmin, the primary physiological inhibitor of plasmin. Furthermore, the data presented explain why a conformational transition to the open form is necessary for plasminogen activation as well as angiostatin generation, and provide a rationale for the functional hierarchy of the different kringles.

Alterations in serotonin receptor-induced contractility of bovine lateral saphenous vein in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue

As part of a 2-yr study documenting the physiologic impact of grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue on growing cattle, 2 experiments were conducted to characterize and evaluate effects of grazing 2 levels of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures on vascular contractility and serotonin receptors. Experiment 1 examined vasoconstrictive activities of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT), α-methylserotonin (ME5HT; a 5HT(2) receptor agonist), d-lysergic acid (LSA), and ergovaline (ERV) on lateral saphenous veins collected from steers immediately removed from a high-endophyte-infected tall fescue pasture (HE) or a low-endophyte-infected mixed-grass (LE) pasture. Using the same pastures, Exp. 2 evaluated effects of grazing 2 levels of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue on vasoconstrictive activities of (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI), BW 723C86 (BW7), CGS-12066A (CGS), and 5-carboxamidotryptamine hemiethanolate maleate (5CT), agonists for 5HT(2A),( 2B), 5HT(1B), and 5HT(7) receptors, respectively. One-half of the steers in Exp. 2 were slaughtered immediately after removal from pasture, and the other one-half were fed finishing diets for >91 d before slaughter. For Exp. 1, maximal contractile intensities were greater (P < 0.05) for steers grazing LE pastures than HE pastures for 5HT (73.3 vs. 48.9 ± 2.1%), ME5HT (52.7 vs. 24.9 ± 1.5%), and ERV (65.7 vs. 49.1 ± 2.6%). Onset of contractile response did not differ for 5HT (P = 0.26) and ERV (P = 0.93), but onset of ME5HT contraction was not initiated (P < 0.05) in HE steers until 10(-4) compared with 10(-5) M in LE-grazing steers. For Exp. 2, maximal contractile intensities achieved with DOI were 35% less (P < 0.05), whereas those achieved with 5CT were 37% greater (P < 0.05), in steers grazing HE pastures. Contractile response to CGS did not differ between pasture groups, and there was an absence of contractile response to BW7 in both groups. There were no differences between endophyte content in contractile responses after animals were finished for >91 d. Experiment 1 demonstrated that grazing of HE pastures for 89 to 105 d induces functional alterations in blood vessels, as evidenced by reduced contractile capacity and altered serotonergic receptor activity. Experiment 2 demonstrated that grazing HE pastures alters vascular responses, which may be mediated through altered serotonin receptor activities, and these alterations may be ameliorated by the removal of ergot alkaloid exposure as demonstrated by the absence of differences in finished steers.

Bovine neuronal vesicular glutamate transporter activity is inhibited by ergovaline and other ergopeptines

l-Glutamate (Glu) is a major excitatory neurotransmitter responsible for neurotransmission in the vertebrate central nervous system. Vesicular Glu transporters VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 concentrate (50mM) Glu [Michaelis constant (measuring affinity), or K(m),=1 to 4mM] into synaptic vesicles (SV) for subsequent release into the synaptic cleft of glutamatergic neurons. Vesicular Glu transporter activity is dependent on vacuolar H(+)-ATPase function. Previous research has shown that ergopeptines contained in endophyte-infected tall fescue interact with dopaminergic and serotoninergic receptors, thereby affecting physiology regulated by these neuron types. To test the hypothesis that ergopeptine alkaloids inhibit VGLUT activity of bovine cerebral SV, SV were isolated from cerebral tissue of Angus-cross steers that were naive to ergot alkaloids. Immunoblot analysis validated the enrichment of VGLUT1, VGLUT2, synaptophysin 1, and vacuolar H(+)-ATPase in purified SV. Glutamate uptake assays demonstrated the dependence of SV VGLUT-like activity on the presence of ATP, H(+)-gradients, and H(+)-ATPase function. The effect of ergopeptines on VGLUT activity was evaluated by ANOVA. Inhibitory competition (IC(50)) experiments revealed that VGLUT-mediated Glu uptake (n=9) was inhibited by ergopeptine alkaloids: bromocriptine (2.83±0.59μM)<ergotamine (20.5±2.77μM)<ergocornine (114±23.1μM)<ergovaline (137±6.55μM). Subsequent ergovaline kinetic inhibition analysis (n=9; Glu=0.05, 0.10, 0.50, 1, 2, 4, 5mM) demonstrated no change in apparent K(m). However, the maximum reaction rate (V(max)) of Glu uptake was decreased when evaluated in the presence of 50, 100, and 200μM ergovaline, suggesting that ergovaline inhibited SV VGLUT activity through a noncompetitive mechanism. The findings of this study suggest cattle with fescue toxicosis may have a decreased glutamatergic neurotransmission capacity due to consumption of ergopeptine alkaloids.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor-activated astrocytes produce mechanical allodynia in neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain management is challenging for physicians and a vexing problem for basic researchers. Recent studies reveal that activated spinal astrocytes may play a vital role in nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, although the mechanisms are not fully understood. We have found increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, a hallmark of reactive gliosis, and elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the dorsal horn in a rat model of allodynia induced by spinal nerve ligation (SNL). The high GFAP expression and mechanical allodynia that SNL induces were prevented by the intrathecal injection of the BDNF-sequestering fusion protein TrkB/Fc. Additionally, mechanical allodynia and GFAP overexpression was induced by the spinal administration of exogenous BDNF to naive rats, and exogenous BDNF given together with fluorocitrate, an astrocytic metabolism inhibitor, inhibited allodynia and GFAP upregulation. Exogenous BDNF also activated the astrocytes directly when tested in vitro. Furthermore, intrathecal administration of BDNF-stimulated astrocytes also induced mechanical allodynia in naive rats. All of these results indicate that astrocytes activated by BDNF might contribute to mechanical allodynia development in neuropathic pain in rats.

Genetic responses to nanostructured calcium-phosphate-coated implants

Nanostructured calcium phosphate (CaP) has been histologically and biomechanically proven to enhance osseointegration of implants; however, conventional techniques were not sufficiently sensitive to capture its biological effects fully. Here, we compared the conventional removal torque (RTQ) evaluation and gene expression in tissues around nanostructured CaP-coated implants, using real-time RT-PCR, with those of uncoated implants, in a rabbit model. At 2 wks, RTQ values were significantly higher, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression was significantly higher, and runt-related transcription factor 2 and tumor necrosis factor-α expressions were significantly lower in the coated than in the uncoated implants. This indicates that inflammatory responses were suppressed and osteoprogenitor activity increased around the CaP-coated surface. At 4 wks, although RTQ values did not significantly differ between the 2 groups, ALP and osteocalcin (OCN) were significantly up-regulated in the coated group, indicating progressive mineralization of the bone around the implant. Moreover, an osteoclast marker, adenosine triphosphatase, which indicates acidification of the resorption lacunae, was significantly higher for the coated implants, suggesting gradual resorption of the CaP coating. This study reveals detailed genetic responses to nanostructured CaP-coated implants and provides evidence that the effect of nanotopography is significant during the osseointegration cascade.

The feasibility of light microscopic measurements of intercellular spaces in squamous epithelium in the lower-esophagus of GERD patients

The study aims to determine whether light microscopy can be used to accurately measure the diameters of intercellular spaces between squamous epithelial cells in the lower esophagus, and whether changes in this outcome measure can be used as a diagnostic marker for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The study has two parts. Part 1 involves 42 asymptomatic controls and 119 patients with typical symptoms of GERD, including 58 with erosive esophagitis (EE), and 61 patients with nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD). All biopsies were taken from the lower esophagus. All samples were observed using an immersion objective, after which diameters were measured by computer-assisted morphometry. Part 2 involves 61 individuals who were randomly selected from part 1, including 19 controls, 13 with NERD and 29 with EE. Diameter measurements using both light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed for samples of 61 individuals. Samples from a total of 61 individuals (31 male, 30 female, mean age 44.3 ± 16.0 years) were observed using both light microscopy and TEM. Both methods showed significant differences between control and disease groups; the outcomes from the two methods had a certain correlation (r = 0.605, P = 0.000). Morphometric analysis of all 161 individuals (83 males, 78 females, mean age 41.4 ± 15.7) showed mean diameters from light microscopy to be 0.58 ± 0.16 µm for controls, 1.07 ± 0.30 µm for NERD, and 1.29 ± 0.20 µm for EE; differences between control and disease groups were significant (P<0.05). The optimal cut-off value from receiver operator characteristic analysis was 0.85 µm. Diagnoses were validated using the combination of symptoms of GERD, endoscopy, and 24 h ambulatory pH monitoring as the gold standard. At the optimal cutoff, sensitivity was 93.3% and specificity was 100%. The diameters of the intercellular spaces in squamous epithelium of lower esophagus from controls and in patients with GERD can be quantitatively measured using light microscopy. Dilated diameters can serve as a sensitive, specific, and objective indicator for diagnosis of GERD.

Diagnostic algorithm to differentiate lymphoma from inflammation in feline small intestinal biopsy samples

Differentiating between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and small intestinal lymphoma in cats is often difficult, especially when only endoscopic biopsy specimens are available for evaluation. However, a correct diagnosis is imperative for proper treatment and prognosis. A retrospective study was performed using surgical and endoscopic intestinal biopsy specimens from 63 cats with a history of chronic diarrhea or vomiting or weight loss. A diagnosis of lymphoma or inflammation was based on microscopic examination of hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained sections alone, HE-stained sections plus results of immunohistochemical labeling (IHC) for CD3e and CD79a, and HE staining, immunophenotyping, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results for B and/or T cell clonality. In addition, various histomorphologic parameters were evaluated for significant differences between lymphoma and IBD using Fisher's exact test. The sensitivity and specificity of each parameter in the diagnosis of lymphoma were also determined. Results of Bayesian statistical analysis demonstrated that combining histologic evaluation of small intestinal biopsy specimens with immunophenotyping and analysis of clonality of lymphoid infiltrates results in more accurate differentiation of neoplastic versus inflammatory lymphocytes. Important histologic features that differentiated intestinal lymphoma from IBD included lymphoid infiltration of the intestinal wall beyond the mucosa, epitheliotropism (especially intraepithelial nests and plaques), heterogeneity, and nuclear size of lymphocytes. Based on the results of this study, a stepwise diagnostic algorithm that first uses histologic assessment, followed by immunophenotyping and then PCR to determine clonality of the lymphocytes, was developed to more accurately differentiate between intestinal lymphoma and IBD.

Clinical outcomes of ovulation induction with metformin, clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotrophin in polycystic ovary syndrome

This pilot study evaluated the effects of coadministration of metformin with clomiphene citrate (CC) and human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) in women with CC-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Sixty women with PCOS were randomly assigned to receive 3 months' treatment with metformin or placebo together with CC and HMG. Transvaginal ultrasound was used to monitor follicular development and ovulation was induced by human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). The number of dominant follicles, the oestradiol level on the day HCG was given and the amount of HMG required were significantly lower in the metformin group than in the placebo group, whereas the mono-ovulatory rate and pregnancy rate in the third cycle were significantly higher. The cumulative pregnancy rate in the metformin group (43.3%) was higher than in the placebo group (20.0%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, coadministration of metformin with CC and HMG reduced the amount of HMG required and increased the mono-ovulatory rate and pregnancy rate.