Identification of heat shock proteins via transcriptome profiling of tree peony leaf exposed to high temperature

The tree peony leaf is an important vegetative organ that is sensitive to abiotic stress and particularly to high temperature. This sensitivity affects plant growth and restricts tree peony distribution. However, the transcriptomic information currently available on the peony leaf in public databases is limited. In this study, we sequenced the transcriptomes of peony leaves subjected to high temperature using the Illumina HiSeq TM 2000 platform. We performed de novo assembly of 93,714 unigenes (average length of 639.7 bp). By searching the public databases, 22,323 unigenes and 13,107 unigenes showed significant similarities with proteins in the NCBI non-redundant protein database and SWISS-PROT database (E-value < 1e-5), respectively. We assigned 17,340 unigenes to Gene Ontology categories, and we assigned 7618 unigenes to clusters of orthologous groups for eukaryotic complete genomes. By searching the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway database, 8014 unigenes were assigned to 6 main categories, including 290 KEGG pathways. To advance research on improving thermotolerance, we identified 24 potential heat shock protein genes with complete open reading frames from the transcriptomic sequences. This is the first study to characterize the leaf transcriptome of tree peony leaf using high-throughput sequencing. The information obtained from the tree peony leaf is valuable for gene discovery, and the identified heat shock protein genes can be used to improve plant stress-tolerance.

Study of pharmacokinetic profiles and characteristics of active components and their metabolites in rat plasma following oral administration of the water extract of Astragali radix using UPLC-MS/MS

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Astragali radix is one of the well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and possesses various biological functions, such as hepatoprotective and anticancer. In present study, to investigate the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of the major constituents of A. radix, a sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method with shorter chromatographic running time was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of formononetin, ononin, calycosin, calycosin-7-β-glucoside, astragaloside IV and their glucuronide metabolites in rat plasma after oral administration of water extract of A. radix at two different doses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column with gradient elution by using a mixture of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.3mL/min. A tandem mass spectrometric detection was conducted using multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) via electrospray ionization (ESI) source in positive ionization mode. Samples were pre-treated by a single-step protein precipitation with methanol, and erlotinib was used as internal standard (IS).

RESULTS

The current UPLC-MS/MS assay was validated for linearity, intra-day and inter-day precisions, accuracy, extraction recovery, matrix effects and stability. The lowest limit of quantifications (LLOQ) were 1ng/mL for all analytes. After oral administration, the plasma concentrations of the glucuronides, especially calycosin-3'-glucuronide, were much higher than the parent compounds. The mean half-life (t1/2) was between 1 and 5h, and the metabolites were eliminated faster than the parent constituents. The median (range) time to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) was between 0.5 and 1h.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study of the pharmacokinetic study of bioactive compounds and their glucuronides in male rat plasma after oral administration of water extract of A. radix. The results demonstrated the biotransformation between the bioactive isoflavonoids and their glucuronides was extensive in rats and provided a significant basis for better understanding the absorption and metabolism mechanism of A. radix. Furthermore, this study could suggest that future studies should focus on the metabolites and biotransformation between the bioactive constituents when conducting a drug efficacy study.

Pinaverium Reduces Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in a Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Pinaverium bromide (pinaverium) is an antispasmodic commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but there has been no convincing evidence for its effectiveness and safety. We evaluated these in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

METHODS

Patients with IBS, based on Rome III criteria, were assigned randomly to groups given pinaverium (50 mg, 3 times/day; n = 218) or placebo (3 times/day; n = 209) at 4 hospitals in China, from August 2012 through December 2013. The primary end points were reductions in abdominal pain and Bristol stool score. Secondary end points were reductions in pain and stool frequencies and abdominal discomfort and its frequency. We also evaluated changes in IBS global symptom scores and the number of adverse effects.

RESULTS

Based on an intention-to-treat analysis, a significantly larger proportion of patients receiving pinaverium met either of the primary end points (50.0% met an end point at week 2, and 77.5% met an end point at week 4), compared with placebo (P < .001). Pinaverium reduced at least 1 secondary end point in significantly more patients receiving pinaverium (76.1% had a reduction at week 2, and 91.7% had a reduction at week 4) than placebo (P < .001). Based on symptom scores, significantly higher percentages of patients receiving pinaverium believed that their IBS symptoms improved (60%) than in the placebo group (34%; P < .001); 29% of patients in the pinaverium group believed that their IBS symptoms stayed the same (29%) and 11% said they worsened. Pinaverium was not associated with severe adverse effects; common side effects included nausea (3.7%), dizziness (3.2%), increased blood pressure (2.3%), and abdominal discomfort (2.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a controlled trial, pinaverium reduces symptoms of IBS. It can be considered a first-line treatment for IBS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01641224 (www.ClinicalTrials.gov).

Biological and bactericidal properties of Ag-doped bioactive glass in a natural extracellular matrix hydrogel with potential application in dentistry

The aim of this study was the fabrication and evaluation of a novel bioactive and bactericidal material, which could have applications in dentistry by supporting tissue regeneration and killing oral bacteria. Our hypothesis was that a new scaffold for pulp-dentin tissue engineering with enhanced antibacterial activity could be obtained by associating extracellular matrix derived from porcine bladder with an antibacterial bioactive glass. Our study combines in vitro approaches and ectopic implantation in scid mice. The novel material was fabricated by incorporating a sol-gel derived silver (Ag)-doped bioactive glass (BG) in a natural extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel in ratio 1:1 in weight % (Ag-BG/ECM). The biological properties of the Ag-BG/ECM were evaluated in culture with dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). In particular, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, stem cells markers profile, and cell differentiation potential were studied. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei was measured. Moreover, the capability of the material to enhance pulp/dentin regeneration in vivo was also evaluated. Our data show that Ag-BG/ECM significantly enhances DPSCs' proliferation, it does not affect cell morphology and stem cells markers profile, protects cells from apoptosis, and enhances in vitro cell differentiation and mineralisation potential as well as in vivo dentin formation. Furthermore, Ag-BG/ECM strongly inhibits S. mutans and L. casei growth suggesting that the new material has also anti-bacterial properties. This study provides foundation for future clinical applications in dentistry. It could potentially advance the currently available options of dental regenerative materials.

1.21 W passively mode-locked Tm:LuAG laser

A watt-level output passively mode-locked Tm:LuAG bulk laser with an InGaAs semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) is demonstrated for the first time. A maximum average output power of 1.21 W at 2022.9 nm has been achieved with a pulse duration of 38 ps and a repetition rate of 129.2 MHz. The results indicate the potential of Tm:LuAG crystals as candidate for realizing high power ultrafast lasers at 2 μm.

SIRT1 expression is associated with poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma

Several studies have reported that the overexpression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was associated with poor prognosis in various human cancers. However, little is known regarding the prognostic value of SIRT1 in lung adenocarcinoma. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the role of SIRT1 in the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Using a tissue microarray, we detected SIRT1 expression by immunohistochemistry in lung adenocarcinoma tissue, as well as in corresponding noncancerous tissues (NCTs). A high expression level of SIRT1 was observed in 74.7% (56/75) of patients with lung adenocarcinoma and 6.7% (5/75) of NCTs (P<0.001). SIRT1 expression was significantly associated with high pathological stage. Importantly, we found that SIRT1 expression was associated with worse overall survival in these lung adenocarcinoma patients (67.0 months vs 104.5 months; P=0.005). In addition, anaplastic lymphoma kinase, epidermal growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Survivin expression were evaluated by fluorescent in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry, respectively. We found that VEGF and Survivin were both highly expressed in the lung adenocarcinoma tissues, as compared to NCTs. Moreover, the SIRT1 and VEGF expression statuses were significantly positively correlated (r=0.238, P=0.039), while SIRT1 and Survivin expression status were not significantly correlated (r=0.220, P=0.058). Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between VEGF and Survivin expression (r=0.436, P<0.001). However, we found that VEGF and Survivin expression were not associated with the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients (P=0.334; P=0.433, respectively). Taken together, our findings suggest that SIRT1 plays a role in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma and may be a significant prognostic indicator for lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Interleukin 12B rs3212227 T > G polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma in a Chinese population

Gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA) is one of common malignant tumors in the world. Multiple genes that play critical roles in inflammatory pathways probably are associated with GCA risk. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study to evaluate the genetic effects of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): interleukin 9 (IL9) rs31563 C > T, IL9 rs31564 G > T, IL10 rs1800872 T > G, IL12A rs2243115 T > G, IL12B rs3212227 T > G, and IL13 rs1800925 C > T on the development of GCA. Two hundred and forty-three GCA cases and 476 controls were recruited. Their genotypes were determined using a custom-by-design 48-Plex SNPscan kit. IL12B rs3212227 T > G polymorphism was associated with the increased risk of GCA. However, there was no significant association between the other five SNPs and GCA risk. Stratified analyses indicated that the risk of GCA associated with the IL12B rs3212227 T > G polymorphism was evident among female patients and patients who never smoked or consumed alcoholic drinks. These findings indicated that functional polymorphism IL12B rs3212227 T > G might correlate with GCA risk. However, our results were obtained with a limited sample size; the power of our analysis was low. Larger studies are required to confirm the current findings.

Long noncoding RNAs POLR2E rs3787016 C/T and HULC rs7763881 A/C polymorphisms are associated with decreased risk of esophageal cancer

Worldwide, rates of esophageal cancer have been keeping highly in recent decades. Genetic variants in multiple cellular pathways might play an important role in altering risk of esophageal carcinoma. In this study, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were investigated in Chinese Han populations. We have genotyped the ANRIL rs2151280 T/C, POLR2E rs3787016 C/T, and HULC rs7763881 A/C SNPs in 380 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cases and 380 cancer-free controls. POLR2E rs3787016 C/T was associated with a significantly decreased risk for ESCC (CT vs. CC: OR 0.62, 95 % CI 0.44-0.87, P = 0.005; adjusted OR 0.62, 95 % CI 0.44-0.87, P = 0.005). The other SNP, HULC rs7763881, also showed a suggestive association (AC vs. AA: OR 0.70, 95 % CI 0.50-0.98, P = 0.037; adjusted OR 0.69, 95 % CI 0.49-0.97, P = 0.031). ANRIL rs2151280 T/C SNP was not associated with risk of ESCC. In the future, larger studies with other ethnic populations, tissue-specific biological characterization, and detailed individual information should be undertaken to validate current findings.

Using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity to screen for metabolic syndrome in community populations

The aim of this study is to investigate the viability of using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as a primary tool to screen metabolic syndrome (MetS), and to explore the risk factors of MetS in community populations. A total of 1914 subjects completed medical examination in Shanghai. BaPWV was significantly associated with the components of MetS. The area under curve (AUC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) in total group were 62.50% and 60.00%-65.30% with the appropriate cut-off point being 1435 cm/sec. The AUC (95%CI) of three subgroups (40-50 yrs, 50-60 yrs and over 60 yrs group) were 75.30% (67.48%-83.35%), 63.35% (58.96%-67.60%), 55.37% (51.19%-60.01%), respectively. A clear pattern surfaced in the process of investigation: the younger were the subjects group, the better receiver operating characteristic (ROC) efficacy would emerge; and the higher sensitivity was, the better negative predictive value (NPV) would be. Male gender, high baPWV values, elevated uric acid (UA) and excess hypersensitive C reaction protein (hs-CRP) levels were stayed in the two regression models as the independent risk factors for MetS. We conclude that baPWV may serve as a potential screening tool for MetS at the cut-off point of 1435 cm/sec.

Induction of COX-2-PGE2 synthesis by activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway contributes to neuronal death triggered by TDP-43-depleted microglia

Neuroinflammation is a striking hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Previous studies have shown the contribution of glial cells such as astrocytes in TDP-43-linked ALS. However, the role of microglia in TDP-43-mediated motor neuron degeneration remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that depletion of TDP-43 in microglia, but not in astrocytes, strikingly upregulates cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production through the activation of MAPK/ERK signaling and initiates neurotoxicity. Moreover, we find that administration of celecoxib, a specific COX-2 inhibitor, greatly diminishes the neurotoxicity triggered by TDP-43-depleted microglia. Taken together, our results reveal a previously unrecognized non-cell-autonomous mechanism in TDP-43-mediated neurodegeneration, identifying COX-2-PGE2 as the molecular events of microglia- but not astrocyte-initiated neurotoxicity and identifying celecoxib as a novel potential therapy for TDP-43-linked ALS and possibly other types of ALS.

In silico modeling of the molecular interactions of antacid medication with the endothelium: novel therapeutic implications in head and neck carcinomas

Pathological acid reflux is a common event in patients afflicted with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), known to play a role in HNSCC etiology and contribute to complications after surgery or during radiation and chemotherapy. Antacid medications are commonly prescribed in HNSCC patients as part of their cancer treatment, and consist of two classes: histamine 2 receptor antagonist class (H2RA, with cimetidine as its prototypical drug) and proton pump inhibitors class (PPI, with omeprazole as its prototypical drug). Clinical evidence revealed a significant survival benefit of antacid usage in a large cohort of HNSCC patients treated in our Otolaryngology Department, with a median follow-up of over 5 years. Therefore, we postulate that one mechanism by which antacid intake enhances patient survival could involve modulation of tumor cell adhesion to endothelium, critical in the initiation of the metastatic dissemination. This study investigates the potential physical interactions between cimetidine and omeprazole with the endothelial E-selection (E-sel) and its ligand sialyl Lewis X (sLe(x)) using a molecular visualization energy-based program (AutoDock). Docking results were further analyzed with the PyMOL program, which allowed for measurements of the distances between the drugs and the closest interacting atoms or residues on E-sel and sLe(x) molecules. Our model predicts that omeprazole displays a stronger interaction with E-sel than cimetidine, as extrapolated from the calculated overall binding energies. However, the shorter distances existing between interacting atoms in the proposed E-sel/cimetidine complex are suggestive of more stable interactions. Neither antacid/E-sel complex overcame the stronger Autodock-calculated sLe(x)/E-sel interaction, suggesting competitive inhibition was not involved. This study provides the first in silico evidence of omeprazole and cimetidine ability to bind to adhesion molecules involved in tumor dissemination, underlining their therapeutic potential in the HNSCC clinical management.

Proteomics-based metabolic modeling reveals that fatty acid oxidation (FAO) controls endothelial cell (EC) permeability

Endothelial cells (ECs) play a key role to maintain the functionality of blood vessels. Altered EC permeability causes severe impairment in vessel stability and is a hallmark of pathologies such as cancer and thrombosis. Integrating label-free quantitative proteomics data into genome-wide metabolic modeling, we built up a model that predicts the metabolic fluxes in ECs when cultured on a tridimensional matrix and organize into a vascular-like network. We discovered how fatty acid oxidation increases when ECs are assembled into a fully formed network that can be disrupted by inhibiting CPT1A, the fatty acid oxidation rate-limiting enzyme. Acute CPT1A inhibition reduces cellular ATP levels and oxygen consumption, which are restored by replenishing the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Remarkably, global phosphoproteomic changes measured upon acute CPT1A inhibition pinpointed altered calcium signaling. Indeed, CPT1A inhibition increases intracellular calcium oscillations. Finally, inhibiting CPT1A induces hyperpermeability in vitro and leakage of blood vessel in vivo, which were restored blocking calcium influx or replenishing the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Fatty acid oxidation emerges as central regulator of endothelial functions and blood vessel stability and druggable pathway to control pathological vascular permeability.

Prevalence and awareness of diabetes mellitus among a rural population in China: results from Liaoning Province

AIM

To clarify the diabetes prevalence trends among the rural population in northern China.

METHODS

All eligible permanent residents aged ≥ 35 years in selected rural villages of Liaoning province were invited to participate in the study. A total of 11 600 people completed all questionnaires and were included in the study. The response rate was 85.3%. Fasting plasma glucose levels were measured after at least 12 h of fasting and diabetes was diagnosed according to WHO criteria, i.e. fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7 mmol/l and/or being on treatment for diabetes. Impaired fasting glucose was defined according to the 1997 and the 2010 American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria (6.1-6.9 and 5.6-6.9 mmol/l, respectively). Previous diagnoses of diabetes were assessed on the basis of self-reports.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetes among adults in the rural population was 10.6% (10.0% in men and 11.1% in women). The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was 13.0 and 36.1% according to the 1997 and the 2010 ADA criteria, respectively. The prevalence of previously diagnosed diabetes was 4.3% among the whole population (3.3% in men and 5.1% in women). The prevalence of previously diagnosed diabetes was 34.8% in men and 50.2% in women. Only 29.6% of men and 42% of women with diabetes had taken oral hypoglycaemic agents or insulin to lower their blood sugar. In multivariate analysis, age, drinking habits, BMI, dyslipidaemia and family history of diabetes were identified as independent risk factors for diabetes, and occupational physical activity, smoking and lean meat intake were identified as independent protective factors for diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose were found to be high in this rural population. Although the rate of treatment of people with diabetes has increased, the glycaemic control rate was still at a low level.

Effect of antibacterial dental adhesive on multispecies biofilms formation

Antibacterial adhesives have favorable prospects to inhibit biofilms and secondary caries. The objectives of this study were to investigate the antibacterial effect of dental adhesives containing dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) on different bacteria in controlled multispecies biofilms and its regulating effect on development of biofilm for the first time. Antibacterial material was synthesized, and Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus gordonii, and Streptococcus sanguinis were chosen to form multispecies biofilms. Lactic acid assay and pH measurement were conducted to study the acid production of controlled multispecies biofilms. Anthrone method and exopolysaccharide (EPS):bacteria volume ratio measured by confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed to determine the EPS production of biofilms. The colony-forming unit counts, scanning electron microscope imaging, and dead:live volume ratio decided by confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to study the biomass change of controlled multispecies biofilms. The TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescent in situ hybridization imaging were used to study the proportion change in multispecies biofilms of different groups. The results showed that DMADDM-containing adhesive groups slowed the pH drop and decreased the lactic acid production noticeably, especially lactic acid production in the 5% DMADDM group, which decreased 10- to 30-fold compared with control group (P < 0.05). EPS was reduced significantly in 5% DMADDM group (P < 0.05). The DMADDM groups reduced the colony-forming unit counts significantly (P < 0.05) and had higher dead:live volume ratio in biofilms compared with control group (P < 0.05). The proportion of S. mutans decreased steadily in DMADDM-containing groups and continually increased in control group, and the biofilm had a more healthy development tendency after the regulation of DMADDM. In conclusion, the adhesives containing DMADDM had remarkable antimicrobial properties to serve as "bioactive" adhesive materials and revealed its potential value for antibiofilm and anticaries clinical applications.

The effect of curcumin on the brain-gut axis in rat model of irritable bowel syndrome: involvement of 5-HT-dependent signaling

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is induced by dysfunction of central nervous and peripheral intestinal systems, which affects an estimated 10-15% population worldwide annually. Stress-related psychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety are often comorbid with gastrointestinal function disorder, such as IBS. However, the mechanism of IBS still remains unknown. Curcumin is a biologically active phytochemical presents in turmeric and has pharmacological actions that benefit patients with depression and anxiety. Our study found that IBS rats showed depression- and anxiety-like behaviors associated with decreased 5-HT (serotonin), BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and pCREB (phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein) expression in the hippocampus after chronic acute combining stress (CAS). However, these decreased parameters were obviously increased in the colonic after CAS. Curcumin (40 mg/kg) reduced the immobility time of forced swimming and the number of buried marbles in behavioral tests of CAS rats. Curcumin also decreased the number of fecal output and abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores in response to graded distention. Moreover, curcumin increased serotonin, BDNF and pCREB levels in the hippocampus, but they were decreased in the colonic of CAS rats. 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist NAN-190 reversed the effects of curcumin on behaviors and the changes of intestine, pCREB and BDNF expression, which are related to IBS. These results suggested that curcumin exerts the effects on IBS through regulating neurotransmitters, BDNF and CREB signaling both in the brain and peripheral intestinal system.

Deep inferior epigastric vessel-pedicled, muscle-sparing rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in pelvic area

Large soft tissue reconstruction in pelvic area is rare but remains challenging. Between August of 2000 and March of 2014, five patients underwent soft tissue reconstruction in pelvic area using deep inferior epigastric vessel-pedicled, muscle-sparing RAM flap. The soft tissue defects located in anterior iliac spine in three cases, lower buttock in one case, contralateral lower buttock and perineal region in one case. The size of the flaps ranged from 13 × 7 cm to 25 × 9 cm. All flaps were harvested in muscle-sparing form. Lateral two-thirds of rectus abdominis muscle and anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle were harvested with the flap in disc or bar shape. All five flaps survived uneventfully. During the follow-up, no ventral hernias occurred in donor sites.

Fumarate induces redox-dependent senescence by modifying glutathione metabolism

Mutations in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzyme fumarate hydratase (FH) are associated with a highly malignant form of renal cancer. We combined analytical chemistry and metabolic computational modelling to investigate the metabolic implications of FH loss in immortalized and primary mouse kidney cells. Here, we show that the accumulation of fumarate caused by the inactivation of FH leads to oxidative stress that is mediated by the formation of succinicGSH, a covalent adduct between fumarate and glutathione. Chronic succination of GSH, caused by the loss of FH, or by exogenous fumarate, leads to persistent oxidative stress and cellular senescence in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, the ablation of p21, a key mediator of senescence, in Fh1-deficient mice resulted in the transformation of benign renal cysts into a hyperplastic lesion, suggesting that fumarate-induced senescence needs to be bypassed for the initiation of renal cancers.