PIN1 Suppresses the Hepatic Differentiation of Pulp Stem Cells via Wnt3a

This study aimed to investigate the role of PIN1 on the hepatic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and its signaling pathway, as well as the potential therapeutic effects of hDPSC transplantation and PIN1 inhibition on CCl₄ (carbon tetrachloride)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. The in vitro results showed that hepatic differentiation was suppressed by infection with adenovirus-PIN1 and promoted by PIN1 inhibitor juglone via the downregulation of Wnt3a and β-catenin. Compared with treatment with either hDPSC transplantation or juglone alone, the combination of hDPSCs and juglone into CCl₄-injured mice significantly suppressed liver fibrosis and restored serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and ammonia. Collectively, the present study shows for the first time that PIN1 inhibition promotes hepatic differentiation of hDPSCs through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, juglone in combination with hDPSC transplantation effectively treats liver fibrosis, suggesting that hDPSC transplantation with PIN1 inhibition may be a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver injury.

Disease-drug database for pharmacogenomic-based prescribing

Providers have expressed a strong desire to have additional clinical decision-support tools to help with interpretation of pharmacogenomic results. We developed and tested a novel disease-drug association tool that enables pharmacogenomic-based prescribing to treat common diseases. First, 324 drugs were mapped to 484 distinct diseases (mean number of drugs treating each disease was 4.9; range 1-37). Then the disease-drug association tool was pharmacogenomically annotated, with an average of 1.8 pharmacogenomically annotated drugs associated/disease. Applying this tool to a prospectively enrolled >1,000 patient cohort from a tertiary medical center showed that 90% of the top ∼20 diseases in this population and ≥93% of patients could appropriately be treated with ≥1 medication with actionable pharmacogenomic information. When combined with clinical patient genotypes, this tool permits delivery of patient-specific pharmacogenomically informed disease treatment recommendations to inform the treatment of many medical conditions of the US population, a key initial step towards implementation of precision medicine.

Risk factors for recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma undergoing modified radical neck dissection

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the impact of lymph node-related factors on the risk of and site of recurrence in patients who had papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastasis in the lateral compartment (classified as pN1b).

METHODS

Patients underwent total thyroidectomy with unilateral modified radical neck dissection for classical papillary thyroid carcinoma. Risk factors for recurrence were evaluated according to the pattern of recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 324 patients were included in the study. The median follow-up was 63 (range 14-181) months. Recurrence was detected in 47 patients (14·5 per cent). In the multivariable analysis, a maximum diameter of metastatic lymph nodes larger than 2·0 cm (hazard ratio (HR) 1·15, 95 per cent c.i. 1·06 to 1·25; P = 0·033) and a central compartment metastatic lymph node ratio of more than 0·42 (HR 3·35, 1·65 to 6·79; P < 0·001) were identified as independent risk factors for locoregional recurrence. Age 45 years or older (HR 5·69, 1·24 to 26·12; P = 0·025) and extranodal extension of metastasis (HR 12·71, 1·64 to 98·25; P = 0·015) were risk factors for distant metastasis. In subgroup analysis of locoregional recurrence, several lymph node-related factors affected the risk of recurrence according to the specific site of metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Lymph node-related factors are of importance for the risk of recurrence in patients with classical papillary thyroid carcinoma classified as pN1b.

Molecular identification of the traditional herbal medicines, Arisaematis Rhizoma and Pinelliae Tuber, and common adulterants via universal DNA barcode sequences

Methods to identify Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma are required because of frequent reciprocal substitution between these two herbal medicines and the existence of several closely related plant materials. As a result of the morphological similarity of dried tubers, correct discrimination of authentic herbal medicines is difficult by conventional methods. Therefore, we analyzed DNA barcode sequences to identify each herbal medicine and the common adulterants at a species level. To verify the identity of these herbal medicines, we collected five authentic species (Pinellia ternata for Pinelliae Tuber, and Arisaema amurense, A. amurense var. serratum, A. erubescens, and A. heterophyllum for Arisaematis Rhizoma) and six common adulterant plant species. Maturase K (matK) and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) genes were then amplified using universal primers. In comparative analyses of two DNA barcode sequences, we obtained 45 species-specific nucleotides sufficient to identify each species (except A. erubescens with matK) and 28 marker nucleotides for each species (except P. pedatisecta with rbcL). Sequence differences at corresponding positions of the two combined DNA barcodes provided genetic marker nucleotides that could be used to identify specimens of the correct species among the analyzed medicinal plants. Furthermore, we generated a phylogenetic tree showing nine distinct groups depending on the species. These results can be used to authenticate Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma from their adulterants and to identify each species. Thus, comparative analyses of plant DNA barcode sequences identified useful genetic markers for the authentication of Pinelliae Tuber and Arisaematis Rhizoma from several adulterant herbal materials.

Mice expressing reduced levels of hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase-α activity do not develop age-related insulin resistance or obesity

Glycogen storage disease type-Ia (GSD-Ia) is caused by a lack of glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α or G6PC) activity. We have shown that gene therapy mediated by a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector expressing human G6Pase-α normalizes blood glucose homeostasis in the global G6pc knockout (G6pc(-/-)) mice for 70-90 weeks. The treated G6pc(-/-) mice expressing 3-63% of normal hepatic G6Pase-α activity (AAV mice) produce endogenous hepatic glucose levels 61-68% of wild-type littermates, have a leaner phenotype and exhibit fasting blood insulin levels more typical of young adult mice. We now show that unlike wild-type mice, the lean AAV mice have increased caloric intake and do not develop age-related obesity or insulin resistance. Pathway analysis shows that signaling by hepatic carbohydrate response element binding protein that improves glucose tolerance and insulin signaling is activated in AAV mice. In addition, several longevity factors in the calorie restriction pathway, including the NADH shuttle systems, NAD(+) concentrations and the AMP-activated protein kinase/sirtuin 1/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α pathway are upregulated in the livers of AAV mice. The finding that partial restoration of hepatic G6Pase-α activity in GSD-Ia mice not only attenuates the phenotype of hepatic G6Pase-α deficiency but also prevents the development of age-related obesity and insulin resistance seen in wild-type mice may suggest relevance of the G6Pase-α enzyme to obesity and diabetes.

Changes in heart-rate variability of survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer during Tai Chi Qigong practice

[Purpose] To explore the changes in heart-rate variability (HRV) of survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) before, during, and after a Tai Chi (TC) Qigong exercise. [Subjects and Methods] Eleven survivors of NPC participated voluntarily in the study. The heart rate of each participant was measured continuously for 1 minute before the TC Qigong intervention, during the 5-minute TC Qigong intervention, and for 1 minute after the intervention, using a Polar heart-rate monitor. Spectral HRV was expressed in terms of normalised low frequency (LF) power, normalised high frequency (HF) power, and the low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) power ratio. [Results] Both the LF-power and the HF-power components had significant time effects. However, the time effect of the LF/HF power ratio was not significant. Post hoc contrast analysis revealed a significant decrease in LF power and a concomitant increase in HF power during the 4th minute and 5th minute of the TC Qigong exercise. [Conclusion] Five minutes of TC Qigong exercise was found to improve HRV by increasing HF power and decreasing LF power, but these effects were transient. TC Qigong might be an appropriate exercise for improving the ANS function and psychological and cardiac health of survivors of NPC.

Minimal hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase-α activity required to sustain survival and prevent hepatocellular adenoma formation in murine glycogen storage disease type Ia

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia), characterized by impaired glucose homeostasis and chronic risk of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), is caused by a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α or G6PC) activity. In a previous 70–90 week-study, we showed that a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector-mediated gene transfer that restores more than 3% of wild-type hepatic G6Pase-α activity in G6pc^−/− mice corrects hepatic G6Pase-α deficiency with no evidence of HCA. We now examine the minimal hepatic G6Pase-α activity required to confer therapeutic efficacy. We show that rAAV-treated G6pc^−/− mice expressing 0.2% of wild-type hepatic G6Pase-α activity suffered from frequent hypoglycemic seizures at age 63–65 weeks but mice expressing 0.5–1.3% of wild-type hepatic G6Pase-α activity (AAV-LL mice) sustain 4–6 h of fast and grow normally to age 75–90 weeks. Despite marked increases in hepatic glycogen accumulation, the AAV-LL mice display no evidence of hepatic abnormalities, hepatic steatosis, or HCA. Interprandial glucose homeostasis is maintained by the G6Pase-α/glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT) complex, and G6PT-mediated microsomal G6P uptake is the rate-limiting step in endogenous glucose production. We show that hepatic G6PT activity is increased in AAV-LL mice. These findings are encouraging for clinical studies of G6Pase-α gene-based therapy for GSD-Ia.

•

Establish the minimal hepatic G6Pase-α activity restoration required to provide a blood glucose level that enables GSD-Ia mice grow to old age (75–90 weeks).

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Establish the minimal hepatic G6Pase-α activity restoration required that enables GSD-Ia mice grow to old age (75-90 weeks).

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Define the lowest dose for G6Pase-α gene therapy that provides efficacy in mice, which informs a phase I/II clinical trial design in human GSD-Ia.

Rhodococcus aerolatus sp. nov., isolated from subarctic rainwater

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped and non-motile strain, designated PAMC 27367(T), was isolated from rainwater collected on the Bering Sea. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain showed an affiliation with the genus Rhodococcus. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that strain PAMC 27367(T) formed a robust clade with the type strains of Rhodococcus rhodnii, Rhodococcus aetherivorans and Rhodococcus ruber with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 96.3 %, 95.8 % and 95.5 %, respectively. Cells of the strain grew optimally at 25 °C and at pH 6.5-7.0 in the presence of 0-2 % (w/v) sea salts. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and three unknown phospholipids. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C16 : 0, C17 : 1ω8c and 10-methyl C17 : 0. Cell wall analysis showed that strain PAMC 27367(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 77.1 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data presented here, we propose a novel species with the name Rhodococcus aerolatus sp. nov., with PAMC 27367(T) ( = KCTC 29240(T) = JCM 19485(T)) as the type strain.

Spatiotemporally controlled microchannels of periodontal mimic scaffolds

Physiologic bioengineering of the oral, dental, and craniofacial complex requires optimized geometric organizations of fibrous connective tissues. A computer-designed, fiber-guiding scaffold has been developed to promote tooth-supporting periodontal tissue regeneration and functional restoration despite limited printing resolution for the manufacture of submicron-scaled features. Here, we demonstrate the use of directional freeze-casting techniques to control pore directional angulations and create mimicked topographies to alveolar crest, horizontal, oblique, and apical fibers of natural periodontal ligaments. For the differing anatomic positions, the gelatin displayed varying patterns of ice growth, determined via internal pore architectures. Regardless of the freezing coordinates, the longitudinal pore arrangements resulted in submicron-scaled diameters (~50 µm), along with corresponding high biomaterial porosity (~90%). Furthermore, the horizontal + coronal ([Formula: see text]) freezing orientation facilitated the creation of similar structures to major fibers in the periodontal ligament interface. This periodontal tissue-mimicking microenvironment is a potential tissue platform for the generation of naturally oriented ligamentous tissues consistent with periodontal ligament neogenesis.

Study on Growth Curves of Longissimus dorsi Muscle Area, Backfat Thickness and Body Conformation for Hanwoo (Korean Native) Cows

The objective of this study was to estimate the parameters of Gompertz growth curves with the measurements of body conformation, real-time ultrasound longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA) and backfat thickness (BFT) in Hanwoo cows. The Hanwoo cows (n = 3,373) were born in 97 Hanwoo commercial farms in the 17 cities or counties of Gyeongbuk province, Korea, between 2000 and 2007. A total of 5,504 ultrasound measurements were collected for the cows at the age of 13 to 165 months in 2007 and 2008. Wither height (HW), rump height (HR), the horizontal distance between the top of the hips (WH), and girth of chest (GC) were also measured. Analysis of variance was conducted to investigate variables affecting LMA and BFT. The effect of farm nested in location was included in the statistical model, as well as the effects of HW, HR, WH, and GC as covariates. All of the effects were significant in the analysis of variance for LMA and BFT (p<0.01), except for the HR effect for LMA. The two ultrasound measures and the four body conformation traits were fitted to a Gompertz growth curve function to estimate parameters. Upper asymptotic weights were estimated as 54.0 cm², 7.67 mm, 125.6 cm, 126.4 cm, 29.3 cm, and 184.1 cm, for LMA, BFT, HW, HR, WH, and GC, respectively. Results of ultrasound measurements showed that Hanwoo cows had smaller LMA and greater BFT than other western cattle breeds, suggesting that care must be taken to select for thick BFT rather than an increase of only beef yield. More ultrasound records per cow are needed to get accurate estimates of growth curve, which, thus, helps producers select animals with high accuracy.

Overexpression of the Brassica rapa transcription factor WRKY12 results in reduced soft rot symptoms caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum in Arabidopsis and Chinese cabbage

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis), an important vegetable crop, can succumb to diseases such as bacterial soft rot, resulting in significant loss of crop productivity and quality. Pectobacterium carotovorum ssp. carotovorum (Pcc) causes soft rot disease in various plants, including Chinese cabbage. To overcome crop loss caused by bacterial soft rot, a gene from Chinese cabbage was isolated and characterised in this study. We isolated the BrWRKY12 gene from Chinese cabbage, which is a group II member of the WRKY transcription factor superfamily. The 645-bp coding sequence of BrWRKY12 translates to a protein with a molecular mass of approximately 24.4 kDa, and BrWRKY12 was exclusively localised in the nucleus. Transcripts of BrWRKY12 were induced by Pcc infection in Brassica. Heterologous expression of BrWRKY12 resulted in reduced susceptibility to Pcc but not to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato in Arabidopsis. Defence-associated genes, such as AtPDF1.2 and AtPGIP2, were constitutively expressed in transgenic lines overexpressing BrWRKY12. The expression of AtWKRY12, which is the closest orthologue of BrWRKY12, was down-regulated by Pcc in Arabidopsis. However, the Atwrky12-2 mutants did not show any difference in response to Pcc, pointing to a difference in function of WRKY12 in Brassica and Arabidopsis. Furthermore, BrWRKY12 in Chinese cabbage also exhibited enhanced resistance to bacterial soft rot and increased the expression of defence-associated genes. In summary, BrWRKY12 confers enhanced resistance to Pcc through transcriptional activation of defence-related genes.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Real-time Ultrasound Measurements for Hanwoo Cows at Different Ages and Pregnancy Status

The purpose of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of ultrasound measurements for longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BFT), and marbling score (MS) in Hanwoo cows (N = 3,062) at the ages between 18 and 42 months. Data were collected from 100 Hanwoo breeding farms in Gyeongbuk province, Korea, in 2007 and 2008. The cows were classified into four different age groups, i.e. 18 to 22 months (the first pregnancy period), 23 to 27 (the first parturition), 28 to 32 (the second pregnancy), and 33 to 42 (the second parturition), respectively. For each age group, a multi-trait animal model was used to estimate variance components and heritabilities of the three traits. The averages of LMA, BFT, and MS measurements across the cows of all age groups were 50.1 cm², 4.62 mm, and 3.04, respectively and heritability estimates were 0.09, 0.10, and 0.08 for the respective traits. However, when the data were analyzed in different age groups, heritability estimates of LMA and BFT were 0.24 and 0.47, respectively, for the cows of 18 to 22 months of age, and 0.21 for MS in the 28 to 32 months old cows. When the cows of all age groups were used, the estimates of genetic (phenotypic) correlations were 0.43 (0.35), −0.06 (0.34) and 0.21 (0.32) between LMA and BFT, LMA and MS, and BFT and MS, respectively. However, in the cow age group between 28 and 32 (18 and 22) months, the estimates of genetic (phenotypic) correlations were 0.05 (0.29), −0.15 (0.24) and 0.38 (0.24), for the respective pairs of traits. These results suggest that genetic, environmental, and phenotypic variations differ depending on cow age, such that care must be taken when ultrasound measurements are applied to selection of cows for meat quality.

Aminoguanidine protects against apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

AIM

The inhibition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) mediated downstream signaling pathways have been suggested to have retinoprotective actions in diabetic retinopathy. Herein, we examined the protective effects of aminoguanidine (AG), an AGEs inhibitor, on diabetes-induced injury of retinal ganglion cells in the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven-week-old male ZDF rats were treated with AG (50 mg/kg body weight) once a day orally for 13 weeks. Serum and vitreous concentration of AGEs were examined. Expressions of AGEs and its receptor (RAGE) were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Southwestern histochemistry was used to detect activated nuclear factor (NF)-κB.

RESULTS

At the end of the study, vitreal levels of AGEs were significantly reduced in ZDF rats treated with AG. Similary, immunohistochemical analysis showed that AG significantly reduced the positive areas for AGEs and RAGE. Furthermore, AG strongly inhibited the loss of retinal ganglion cells by apoptosis. AG also suppressed the activation of to NF-κB.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that AG has retinoprotective properties through not only direct inhibition of AGEs formation but also downregulation of NF-κB.

Only the chemical state of Indium changes in Mn-doped In3Sb1Te2 (Mn: 10 at.%) during multi-level resistance changes

We fabricated and characterized the material with Mn (10 at.%: atomic percent) doped In3Sb1Te2 (MIST) using co-sputtering and synchrotron radiation, respectively. The MIST thin film showed phase-changes at 97 and 320 °C, with sheet resistances of ~10 kΩ(sq) (amorphous), ~0.2 kΩ(sq) (first phase-change), and ~10 Ω(sq) (second phase-change). MIST did not exhibit any chemical separation or increased structural instability during either phase-change, as determined with high-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Chemical state changes were only depended for In without concomitant changes of Sb and Te. Apparently, doped Mn atoms can be induced with movement of only In atoms.

Expression of heat shock protein 90 in the kidneys of diabetic db/db mice

OBJECTIVE

To identify novel genes regulated in diabetic nephropathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total RNA from the renal cortex of db/+ and db/db mice was isolated and DNA microarrays specific for diabetes signaling pathways were used for expression profiling. Expression of mRNA and protein was determined by RT-PCR and western blotting. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemical staining were assessed in renal cortex of db/db mice.

RESULTS

Microarray data revealed that 7 genes show up- or down-regulated pattern and diabetic mice specifically decreased heat shock protein (Hsp) 90α expression of genes compared to control mice (diabetic mice 0.68 vs. control mice 1 relative density). Expression of Hsp90α mRNA and Hsp90 protein was significantly decreased in the renal cortex of diabetic mice. However, Hsp70 mRNA and protein expression was not changed. Apoptosis was increased in glomeruli of diabetic mice due to increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that Hsp 90 expression was decreased in diabetic glomeruli and decreased Hsp90 expression may mediate podocyte apoptosis in type 2 diabetic kidneys.

The upstream enhancer elements of the G6PC promoter are critical for optimal G6PC expression in murine glycogen storage disease type Ia

Glycogen storage disease type-Ia (GSD-Ia) patients deficient in glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α or G6PC) manifest impaired glucose homeostasis characterized by fasting hypoglycemia, growth retardation, hepatomegaly, nephromegaly, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, and lactic acidemia. Two efficacious recombinant adeno-associated virus pseudotype 2/8 (rAAV8) vectors expressing human G6Pase-α have been independently developed. One is a single-stranded vector containing a 2864-bp of the G6PC promoter/enhancer (rAAV8-GPE) and the other is a double-stranded vector containing a shorter 382-bp minimal G6PC promoter/enhancer (rAAV8-miGPE). To identify the best construct, a direct comparison of the rAAV8-GPE and the rAAV8-miGPE vectors was initiated to determine the best vector to take forward into clinical trials. We show that the rAAV8-GPE vector directed significantly higher levels of hepatic G6Pase-α expression, achieved greater reduction in hepatic glycogen accumulation, and led to a better toleration of fasting in GSD-Ia mice than the rAAV8-miGPE vector. Our results indicated that additional control elements in the rAAV8-GPE vector outweigh the gains from the double-stranded rAAV8-miGPE transduction efficiency, and that the rAAV8-GPE vector is the current choice for clinical translation in human GSD-Ia.

Curcumin decreases oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation via AMPK phosphorylation in hepatocarcinoma cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common metabolic syndromes and is characterized by the accumulation of hepatic triglycerides (TG), which result from an imbalance between uptake, synthesis, export, and oxidation of fatty acids. Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from the herbal remedy and dietary spice turmeric, was found to prevent obesity and diabetes in mouse models. However, a hypolipidemic effect of curcumin in oleic acid- induced hepatocarcinoma cells has not been reported. In this study, we examined the effect of curcumin on reducing lipid accumulation in hepatic cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hepatocytes were treated with oleic acid (OA) containing with or without curcumin to observe the lipid accumulation by Oil Red O stain. We also tested the effects of curcumin on triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in HepG2 cells. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure sterol regulatory element binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression.

RESULTS

Curcumin suppressed OA-induced lipid accumulation and TG and TC levels. Also, curcumin decreased hepatic lipogenesis such as SREBP-1, and FAS. Besides, we also found out the antioxidative effect of curcumin by increasing the expression of PPARα. Curcumin increased AMPK phosphorylation in hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that curcumin has the same ability to activate AMPK and then reduce SREBP-1, and FAS expression, finally leading to inhibit hepatic lipogenesis and hepatic antioxidative ability. In this report, we found curcumin exerted a regulatory effect on lipid accumulation by decreasing lipogenesis in hepatocyte. Therefore, curcumin extract may be active in the prevention of fatty liver.

Deferoxamine promotes osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-mediated antioxidant signaling pathway

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Recently it was reported that deferoxamine (DFO), an iron chelator, stimulates bone formation from MG63 and mesenchymal stem cells, but inhibits differentiation in rat calvarial cells; however, the effect of DFO on osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and the possible underlying mechanism of DFO on osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The effect of DFO on osteoblast differentiation was determined by the staining intensity of calcium deposits with Alizarin red and by RT-PCR analysis of the expression of osteoblastic markers. Signal transduction pathways were analyzed by western blotting.

RESULTS

DFO increased osteogenic differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner by expression of the mRNA for differentiation markers and calcium nodule formation. Exposure of hPDLCs to DFO resulted in increases in the production of reactive oxygen species and in the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) protein in nuclear extractions, as well as a dose-dependent increase in the expression of Nrf2 target genes, including glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase, γ-glutamylcysteine lygase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. Pretreatment with Nrf2 small interfering RNA, GSH depletion by buthionine sulfoximine and diethyl maleate, and with antioxidants by N-acetylcysteine and vitamin E, blocked DFO-stimulated osteoblastic differentiation. Furthermore, pretreatment with GSH depletion and antioxidants blocked DFO-induced p38 MAPK, ERK, JNK and nuclear factor-kappaB pathways.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate, for the first time, that nontoxic DFO promotes osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs via modulation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant pathway.

Resolution of adefovir-related nephrotoxicity by adefovir dose-reduction in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B patients (CHB) treated with adefovir were followed up to evaluate nephrotoxicity and its outcome.

AIM

To assess the incidence of renal dysfunction during adefovir therapy in Asian patients and factors associated with it, and evaluate strategies to improve adefovir-related renal dysfunction and their impact on viral suppression.

METHODS

Chronic hepatitis B clinic patients from a tertiary hospital on adefovir treatment, with their clinical and laboratory parameters were extracted from the hospital electronic clinical database in an observational study design. Patients were excluded if they had liver/renal transplant, baseline renal impairment or were on dialysis. Adefovir-related renal dysfunction was defined as adefovir-related abnormal serum creatinine (ARASC) > 125 μmol/L (males), >90 μmol/L (females); adefovir-related abnormal GFR <60 mL/min; and adefovir-related increased serum creatinine >0.5 mg/dL, without other known causes of nephrotoxicity.

RESULTS

A total of 271/383 adefovir-treated patients were suitable for analysis and 33(12%) patients developed abnormal serum creatinine. Cumulative increase in proportion of patients with ARASC was 33.8% and GFR ≤60 mL/min was 38.3% by 6 years, while serum creatinine increase ≥0.5 mg/dL was 21.48% by 5 years. Using multivariate analysis, the only independent baseline predictor of ARASC was GFR ≤76.1 mL/min. Patients who had ARASC had similar levels of viral suppression to those who did not have ARASC. Those who had ARASC either continued adefovir (24%), switched therapy (24%) or had adefovir dose reduction (52%). ARASC resolved and GFR normalised in almost all patients after either switching therapy or reducing adefovir dose, with no difference between the two strategies (P = 0.737). Those with adefovir dose reduction had no significant increase in HBV DNA (P = 0.170).

CONCLUSIONS

Adefovir-related renal dysfunction occurred in a significant number of adefovir-treated patients, but reduction of the dose led to renal improvement without compromising treatment efficacy.

The protective effects of oxyresveratrol imine derivative against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death in PC12 cells

Oxyresveratrol (2',3,4',5-tetrahydroxystilbene) is a naturally occurring ingredient found in mulberries that shows potential as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agent. This study was performed to identify materials similar to oxyresveratrol that may have more effective antioxidant properties. We synthesized a stilbene analog referred to as Compound 1 (2',3,4',5-tetramethoxystilbene); a benzamide analog referred to as Compound 2 ((2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3,5-dimethoxybenzamide); and three imine analogs referred to as Compound 3 (3,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)-(2,4-dimethoxyphenylamine), Compound 4 ((4-methoxybenzylidene)-(3-methoxyphenyl)amine), and Compound 5 ((4-methoxybenzylidene)phenylamine). The cytoprotective effects of these compounds were subsequently evaluated using hydrogen peroxide-treated PC12 cells. The cytoprotective effects of the imine analogs were greater than the effects of oxyresveratrol and the other analogs at concentrations of 200 μM. The Compound 3, which is the most effective imine analog of oxyresveratrol, exhibited these cytoprotective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress through the regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and the translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Our results suggest that imine analogs of oxyresveratrol may be useful agents in reducing neuronal oxidative damage.

Prevention of hepatocellular adenoma and correction of metabolic abnormalities in murine glycogen storage disease type Ia by gene therapy

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia), which is characterized by impaired glucose homeostasis and chronic risk of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), is caused by deficiencies in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α or G6PC) that hydrolyzes glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) to glucose. G6Pase-α activity depends on the G6P transporter (G6PT) that translocates G6P from the cytoplasm into the ER lumen. The functional coupling of G6Pase-α and G6PT maintains interprandial glucose homeostasis. We have shown previously that gene therapy mediated by AAV-GPE, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing G6Pase-α directed by the human G6PC promoter/enhancer (GPE), completely normalizes hepatic G6Pase-α deficiency in GSD-Ia (G6pc(-/-) ) mice for at least 24 weeks. However, a recent study showed that within 78 weeks of gene deletion, all mice lacking G6Pase-α in the liver develop HCA. We now show that gene therapy mediated by AAV-GPE maintains efficacy for at least 70-90 weeks for mice expressing more than 3% of wild-type hepatic G6Pase-α activity. The treated mice displayed normal hepatic fat storage, had normal blood metabolite and glucose tolerance profiles, had reduced fasting blood insulin levels, maintained normoglycemia over a 24-hour fast, and had no evidence of hepatic abnormalities. After a 24-hour fast, hepatic G6PT messenger RNA levels in G6pc(-/-) mice receiving gene therapy were markedly increased. Because G6PT transport is the rate-limiting step in microsomal G6P metabolism, this may explain why the treated G6pc(-/-) mice could sustain prolonged fasts. The low fasting blood insulin levels and lack of hepatic steatosis may explain the absence of HCA.

CONCLUSION

These results confirm that AAV-GPE-mediated gene transfer corrects hepatic G6Pase-α deficiency in murine GSD-Ia and prevents chronic HCA formation.