Impaired glucose tolerance after streptozotocin microinjection into the mediodorsal prefrontal cortex of the rat

The mediodorsal prefrontal cortex (mdPFC) is a key structure of the central glucose-monitoring (GM) neural network. Previous studies indicate that intracerebral streptozotocin (STZ) microinjection-induced destruction of local chemosensory neurons results in feeding and metabolic alterations. The present experiments aimed to examine whether STZ microinjection into the mdPFC causes metabolic deficits. To do so, glucose tolerance test (GTT) and measurements of plasma metabolites were performed in STZ-treated or control rats. Intraperitoneal D-glucose load was delivered 20 min or 4 weeks following the intracerebral microinjection of STZ or saline (acute or subacute GTT, respectively). The STZ-treated rats displayed acute glucose intolerance: at the 120th min of the test, blood glucose level of these rats was significantly higher than that of the ones in the control group. When determining the plasma level of various metabolites, 30 min following the intracerebral STZ or saline microinjection, the triglyceride concentration of the STZ-treated rats was found to be reduced compared with that of the control rats. The GM neurons of the mdPFC are suggested to be involved in the organization of complex metabolic processes by which these chemosensory cells contribute to adaptive control mechanisms of the maintenance of homeostasis.

Bortezomib and Arsenic Trioxide Activity on a Myelodysplastic Cell Line (P39): A Gene Expression Study

Objective:

We aimed to understand the molecular pathways affected by bortezomib and arsenic trioxide treatment on myelomonocytoid cell line P39.

Materials and Methods:

Oligonucleotide microarray platforms were used for gene expression and pathway analysis. Confirmation studies were performed using quantitative real time PCR.

Results:

Bortezomib treatment has shown upregulated DIABLO and NF-κBIB (a NF-κB inhibitor) and downregulated NF-κB1, NF-κB2, and BIRC1 gene expressions. Combination treatment of the two compounds showed gene expression deregulations in concordance by the results of single bortezomib treatment. Especially, P53 was a pathway more significantly modified and a gene network centralized around the beta estradiol gene. Beta estradiol, BRCA2, and FOXA1 genes were remarkable deregulations in our findings.

Conclusion:

Results support the suggestions about possible use of proteasome inhibitors in the treatment of high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). NF-κB was observed as an important modulator in leukemic transformation of MDS.

Rare novel variants in the ZIC3 gene cause X-linked heterotaxy

Variants in the ZIC3 gene are rare, but have demonstrated their profound clinical significance in X-linked heterotaxy, affecting in particular male patients with abnormal arrangement of thoracic and visceral organs. Several reports have shown relevance of ZIC3 gene variants in both familial and sporadic cases and with a predominance of mutations detected in zinc-finger domains. No studies so far have assessed the functional consequences of ZIC3 variants in an in vivo model organism. A study population of 348 patients collected over more than 10 years with a large variety of congenital heart disease including heterotaxy was screened for variants in the ZIC3 gene. Functional effects of three variants were assessed both in vitro and in vivo in the zebrafish. We identified six novel pathogenic variants (1,7%), all in either male patients with heterotaxy (n=5) or a female patient with multiple male deaths due to heterotaxy in the family (n=1). All variants were located within the zinc-finger domains or leading to a truncation before these domains. Truncating variants showed abnormal trafficking of mutated ZIC3 proteins, whereas the missense variant showed normal trafficking. Overexpression of wild-type and mutated ZIC protein in zebrafish showed full non-functionality of the two frame-shift variants and partial activity of the missense variant compared with wild-type, further underscoring the pathogenic character of these variants. Concluding, we greatly expanded the number of causative variants in ZIC3 and delineated the functional effects of three variants using in vitro and in vivo model systems.

Genetic Changes in Sporadic Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumors (Odontogenic Keratocysts)

Little is known about the genetic background of keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOT, odontogenic keratocysts). Our aim was to characterize genomic aberrations in sporadic KCOT using cDNA-expression arrays and array-comparative genomic hybridization. For cDNA-expression arrays, 10 KCOT specimens and 20 fetal tooth germs were studied. Quantitative real-time reverse-transcription/polymerase chain-reaction and immunohistochemical studies were also undertaken. Several genes were over-expressed in 12q13, including cytokeratin 6B ( KRT6B) (≈ 10-fold), epidermal growth factor receptor ERBB3 (~ 4.7-fold), and glioma-associated oncogene homologue 1 ( GLI1) (~ 5- to 12-fold). One amplicon (~ 0.7 Mega base pairs [Mbp]), covering several genes involved in the regulation of cell growth, was found in 12q13.2. Deletions were found in 3q13.1, 5p14.3, and 7q31.3, including the cell-adhesion-related gene cadherin 18 ( CDH18) and leukocyte cell adhesion molecule ( ALCAM, MEMD). Over-expressed and amplified genes in 12q13, also reported in several other tumors and cell lines, may contribute to the persistent growth characteristics of KCOT.

Plasma E-selectin levels can play a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness. There are several risk factors, such as the duration of diabetes or glycemic control of the patient; however, several biochemical factors also alter the process. Our aim was to investigate the role of soluble E-selectin in the formation of diabetic retinopathy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven patients (37 female and 20 male, aged 61.71 ± 12.31 years) and 14 healthy control subjects (ten female and four male, aged 63.06 ± 10.46 years) were enrolled in the study. We measured the soluble E-selectin level in the plasma of patients by ELISA. All patients underwent careful ophthalmological examination, including ophthalmoscopy and color fundus photography, while diabetic retinopathy grading was performed in line with the 2012 classification of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

RESULTS

The soluble E-selectin level was significantly higher in patients with diabetes compared to controls (32.95 ng/ml vs. 26.55 ng/ml, p = 0.03). Dividing patients into groups by the presence of retinopathy, the E-selectin level was also significantly higher in the retinopathy group (p < 0.05). When we examined diabetic patients by the severity of retinopathy (groups A, B, and C, by the guidelines of the AAO), however, we did not find any significant difference in soluble E-selectin levels, although it tended to be higher in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

An elevated E-selectin level can play a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy, but it does not seem to alter disease severity. However, glycemic control and the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors may also alter the level of E-selectin that might play a role in the prevention of diabetic retinopathy.

Elevated hsa-miR-99a levels in maternal plasma may indicate congenital heart defects

The current standard for prenatal screening is mostly based on biochemical marker tests and the use of ultrasonography. There is no secure stand-alone screening marker for congenital heart defects (CHDs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that are associated with cardiogenesis enter the maternal peripheral bloodstream during pregnancy and allow non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). The present study investigated the plasma expression profile of fetal hsa-miR-99a in maternal blood. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 39 pregnant patients, comprising 22 with CHD-positive fetuses and 17 with CHD-free controls. miRNAs were isolated from the maternal serum and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was carried out to determine the expression of hsa-miR-99a. While the miRNA concentrations were almost identical among the affected and control groups (5.54 vs. 6.40 ng/µl), significantly upregulated hsa-miR-99a levels were identified in the affected group (1.78×10^-2±3.53×10^-2 vs. 1.09×10^-3±3.55×10^-3 ng/µl, P=0.038). In conclusion, according to the present study, hsa-miR-99a is involved in cardiac malformation and may serve as a biomarker during fetal development, and therefore presents as a candidate for monitoring cardiomyogenesis and potential use as a NIPT-biomarker for fetal CHD.

Virulence and antimicrobial resistance determinants of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) and of multidrug-resistant E. coli from foods of animal origin illegally imported to the EU by flight passengers

The aim of this study was to reveal phenotype/genotype characteristics of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) and multidrug resistant E. coli in food products of animal origin confiscated as illegal import at Austrian, German and Slovenian airports. VTEC isolates were obtained by using ISO guidelines 16654:2001 for O157 VTEC or ISO/ TS13136:2012 for non-O157 VTEC, with additional use of the RIDASCREEN® Verotoxin immunoassay. The testing of 1526 samples resulted in 15 VTEC isolates (1.0%) primarily isolated from hard cheese from Turkey and Balkan countries. Genotyping for virulence by using a miniaturized microarray identified a wide range of virulence determinants. One VTEC isolate (O26:H46) possessing intimin (eae) and all other essential genes of Locus of Enterocyte Effacement (LEE) was designated as enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). None of the other VTEC strains belonged to serogroups O157, O145, O111, O104 or O103. VTEC strains harbored either stx(1) (variants stx1(a) or stx(1c)) or st(x2) (variants stx(2a), stx(2b), stx(2a/d) or stx(2c/d)) genes. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) demonstrated high genetic diversity and identified three new sequence types (STs): 4505, 4506 and 4507. Food samples collected from the Vienna airport were also tested for E. coli quantities using the ISO 16649:2001, and for detection of multidrug resistant phenotypes and genotypes. The resulting 113 commensal E. coli isolates were first tested in a pre-screening against 6 selected antimicrobials to demonstrate multidrug resistance. The resulting 14 multidrug resistant (MDR) E. coli isolates, representing 0.9% of the samples, were subjected to further resistance phenotyping and to microarray analyses targeting genetic markers of antimicrobial resistance and virulence. Genotyping revealed various combinations of resistance determinants as well as the presence of class 1, class 2 integrons. The isolates harbored 6 to 11 antibiotic resistance genes as well as 1 to 14 virulence genes. In this panel of 14 MDR E. coli two strains proved to carry CTX-M type ESBLs, and one single isolate was identified as enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). In general, isolates carrying a high number of resistance determinants had lower number of virulence genes and vice versa. In conclusion, this first pilot study on the prevalence of VTEC and of MDR/ESBL E. coli in illegally imported food products of animal origin suggests that these strains could represent reservoirs for dissemination of potentially new types of pathogenic and MDR E. coli in Europe.

Detection of sex chromosome aneuploidies using quantitative fluorescent PCR in the Hungarian population

BACKGROUND

Aneuploidies are the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities at birth. Autosomal aneuploidies cause serious malformations like trisomy 21, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13. However sex chromosome aneuploidies are causing less severe syndromes. For the detection of these aneuploidies, the "gold standard" method is the cytogenetic analysis of fetal cells, karyograms show all numerical and structural abnormalities, but it takes 2-4 weeks to get the reports. Molecular biological methods were developed to overcome the long culture time, thus, FISH and quantitative fluorescent PCR were introduced. In this work we show our experience with a commercial kit for the detection of sex chromosome aneuploidies.

METHODS

We analyzed 20.173 amniotic fluid samples for the period of 2006-2013 in our department. A conventional cytogenetic analysis was performed on the samples. We checked the reliability of quantitative fluorescent PCR and DNA fragment analysis on those samples where sex chromosomal aneuploidy was diagnosed.

RESULTS

From the 20.173 amniotic fluid samples we found 50 samples with sex chromosome aneuploidy. There were 19 samples showing 46, XO, 17 samples with 46, XXY, 9 samples with 47, XXX and 5 samples with 47, XYY karyotypes. The applied quantitative fluorescent PCR and DNA fragment analyses method are suitable to detect all abnormal sex chromosome aneuploidies.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative fluorescent PCR is a fast and reliable method for detection of sex chromosome aneuploidies.

Association of specific diplotypes defined by common rs1800682 and rare rs34995925 single nucleotide polymorphisms within the STAT1 transcription binding site of the FAS gene promoter with preeclampsia

The tolerance of fetal antigens by intradecidual T-cell involving the Fas-mediated apoptosis plays an important role in the physiological course of pregnancy. Objective of this study is to determine the association of diplotypes of common rs1800682G and rare rs34995925C alleles within the STAT1 transcription binding site of the FAS promoter region with preeclampsia. There were 116 preeclamptic women and 123 healthy control subjects from Hungary and Slovakia enrolled in the study. The presence of the GG or GA genotypes on rs1800682 was confirmed in 91 patients and 85 controls (OR = 1.628, 95%CI 0.907-2.92). The rare rs34995925 C allele laying 7 bp further from rs1800682 within STAT1 transcription binding site was detected in 3 preeclamptic cases and none healthy subjects. Haplotypes GT and AC were defined by common rs1800682G and rare rs34995925C alleles, respectively, and were considered as "low" FAS-producing. The combinations of GT or AC with normal FAS-producing haplotypes AT were considered as "low" FAS-producing diplotypes in dominant model. The "low" FAS -producing diplotype group of GT/GT, GT/AT, and AC/AT compared to the normal FAS-producing diplotype group of AT/AT showed OR = 1.91 (95%CI 1.04-3.48) and p = 0.03 for the association with preeclampsia.

Insulin and leptin plasma levels after the microinjection of interleukin-1β into the nucleus accumbens of the rat

The nucleus accumbens (NAcc), an important basal forebrain structure, has a central integratory function in the control of feeding and metabolism. The primary cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) exerts its neuromodulatory effects on the endocrine functions both centrally and peripherally. The present study was designed to elucidate the possible consequences of direct administration of IL-1β into the NAcc on the endocrine regulation of metabolism. Plasma concentrations of insulin and leptin, two key hormones in the homeostatic control were determined 15 minutes after a single bilateral microinjection of IL-1β into the NAcc of adult male Wistar rats, and the effects were compared with those found in vehicle treated control animals. Insulin plasma levels of the cytokine treated animals were significantly higher than those parameters of the control rats. No differences were found in leptin plasma concentrations between the two groups. Our findings show that IL-1β mediated processes in the NAcc have important roles in the central neuroendocrine control.

GINA--a polarized neutron reflectometer at the Budapest Neutron Centre

The setup, capabilities, and operation parameters of the neutron reflectometer GINA, the recently installed "Grazing Incidence Neutron Apparatus" at the Budapest Neutron Centre, are introduced. GINA, a dance-floor-type, constant-energy, angle-dispersive reflectometer is equipped with a 2D position-sensitive detector to study specular and off-specular scattering. Wavelength options between 3.2 and 5.7 Å are available for unpolarized and polarized neutrons. Spin polarization and analysis are achieved by magnetized transmission supermirrors and radio-frequency adiabatic spin flippers. As a result of vertical focusing by a five-element pyrolytic graphite monochromator, the reflected intensity from a 20 × 20 mm(2) sample has been doubled. GINA is dedicated to studies of magnetic films and heterostructures, but unpolarized options for non-magnetic films, membranes, and other surfaces are also provided. Shortly after its startup, reflectivity values as low as 3 × 10(-5) have been measured by the instrument. The instrument capabilities are demonstrated by a non-polarized and a polarized reflectivity experiment on a Si wafer and on a magnetic film of [(62)Ni/(nat)Ni](5) isotope-periodic layer composition. The facility is now open for the international user community. Its further development is underway establishing new sample environment options and spin analysis of off-specularly scattered radiation as well as further decreasing the background.

Effects of curcumin on global gene expression profiles in the highly invasive human breast carcinoma cell line MDA-MB 231: A gene network-based microarray analysis

Curcumin, or diferuloylmethane, is a major chemical component of turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) that has been consumed as a dietary spice through the ages. This yellow-colored polyphenol has a notably wide range of beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumoral, anti-invasive and anti-metastatic activity. In the present study, microarray gene expression analysis was applied to identify the curcumin-regulated genes in a highly invasive human breast carcinoma cell line (MDA-MB 231). Cells were cultured with curcumin (20 μM) for 24 h; total RNA was isolated and hybridized to Whole Human Genome Microarray slides. Gene set enrichment analyses on our whole genome expression data revealed downregulation of the EGF pathway elements following curcumin treatment. Furthermore, gene network analysis identified a significantly relevant network among the differentially expressed genes, centered on the EGR1 and FOS genes. The members of these pathways and networks play an essential role in the regulation of cancer cell growth and development; the majority exhibited decreased expression levels following treatment with curcumin. These observations suggest that curcumin is an excellent candidate for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Potential therapeutic targeting of platelet-mediated cellular interactions in atherosclerosis and inflammation

Cellular interactions among platelets, leukocytes and endothelial cells are considered as a major cause of inflammation and atherosclerosis in many diseases. Via exposed surface receptors and released soluble substances, activated platelets play a crucial role in the initiation of inflammatory processes, resulting in endothelial injury and leading to formation of atherosclerotic plaque with possible thrombotic complications. Classic anti-platelet treatments (e.g. cyclooxygenase inhibitor or ADP-receptor antagonist) have favorable effects in patients with vascular diseases, but they also have several limitations such as increased bleeding risk or non-responsiveness. Thus, the need and opportunities for developing novel therapeutic inhibitors for platelet-mediated events are obvious. Animal and (pre)clinical human studies have suggested that some recently produced specific antagonists of P-selectin from α-granules, as well as its main ligand/receptor P-selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1, the two major platelet chemokines CXCL4 and CCL5, as well as CD40L, may be considered potential new candidates in the treatment of atherogenesis and inflammation. In this review, we summarize the pathophysiological roles of these effectors in platelet activation and acute or chronic inflammation, and discuss the latest findings on promising antagonistic agents in basic and clinical studies in the prevention of platelet-mediated cellular interactions.

PP004. Study of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and the reduced-folate carrier-1 gene polymorphism in healthy and severe pre-eclamptic patients

INTRODUCTION

One-carbon cycle is involved in two essential physiological processes: The synthesis of purins and pyrimidines required for DNA synthesis and repair. The other is the methylation with the methionine cycle. These one-carbon groups are served by the tetrahydrofolate and the S-adenosylmethionine. Deficiencies of the folate, or other abnormalities within the methionine pathway lead to elevated homocysteine levels. These disorders have been implicated in placental diseases. Earlier studies have shown that homocysteine levels are elevated by patients with severe pre-eclampsia than by healthy pregnant normotensive women. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T missense mutation has a high frequency by patients with HELLP syndrome and connected with elevated serum homocysteine levels. The reduced-folate carrier (RFC-1) facilitates the internalization of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate from the blood into peripheral cells. The mutation G80A this gene leads to higher plasma folate.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to identify the polymorphism of these two genes in samples of severe pre-eclamptic patients and healthy controls.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from healthy pregnant normotensive women (n=82) and women with pre-eclampsia (n=75). DNA was isolated and quantitative real-time PCR method combined with melting curve analysis was performed for the detection of the two polymorphisms. Statistical analysis was performed with the STATISTICA software package.

RESULTS

The frequency of the A allele in the RFC-1 gene was 46.57% by healthy pregnant and 41% by severe pre-eclamptic patients. The overall distribution of genotypes was not significantly different between the control and pre-eclamptic groups (p=0.58). In the study groups by the MTHFR gene the frequency of the T was 32% in pre-eclamptics, and 35.92% in controls. Similarly the overall distribution of genotypes was not significantly different between the two study groups (p=0.15).

CONCLUSION

In hypertensive disorders of the pregnancy the one-carbon cycle is disturbed. We studied single nucleotide mutations in the genes of two enzymes involved in the cycle. We determined the allele and genotype frequencies in healthy control and pre-eclamptic patients and found no significant differences. Further examinations of other genetical compounds can help to understand the elevated homocysteine levels in pre-eclampsia.