Disease-Modifying Effect of Adiponectin in Model of α-Synucleinopathies

Objective

Growing evidence suggests that neurodegenerative diseases are associated with metabolic disorders, but the mechanisms are still unclear. Better comprehension of this issue might provide a new strategy for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. We investigated possible roles of adiponectin (APN), the antidiabetes protein, in the pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathies.

Methods

Using biochemical and histological methods, we investigated autopsy brain of α-synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and analyzed the effects of APN in cellular and in mouse models of α-synucleinopathies.

Results

We observed that APN is localized in Lewy bodies derived from α-synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. In neuronal cells expressing α-synuclein (αS), aggregation of αS was suppressed by treatment with recombinant APN in an AdipoRI-AMP kinase pathway-dependent manner. Concomitantly, phosphorylation and release of αS were significantly decreased by APN, suggesting that APN may be antineurodegenerative. In transgenic mice expressing αS, both histopathology and movement disorder were significantly improved by intranasal treatment with globular APN when the treatment was initiated in the early stage of the disease. In a mouse model, reduced levels of guanosine and inosine monophosphates, both of which are potential stimulators of aggregation of αS, might partly contribute to suppression of aggregation of αS by APN.

Interpretation

Taken together, APN may suppress neurodegeneration through modification of the metabolic pathway, and could possess a therapeutic potential against α-synucleinopathies.

Purification and Characterization of a DNA-dependent RNA Polymerase fromPseudomonas putida

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (EC 2.7.7.6) was purified from Pseudomonas putida. The enzyme had the typical composition of beta',beta,alpha, and sigma subunits of eubacterial RNA polymerases. The molecular masses of the subunits were 156,000 Da, 151,000 Da, 87,000 Da, and 42,000 Da, respectively, as measured by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The NH2-terminal amino acid residues of the alpha subunit had a marked homology with those of the alpha subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. The enzyme activity was dependent on ribonucleoside triphosphates, Mg2+, and a DNA template, and was inhibited in vitro by rifampicin. The enzyme activity was maximal in the presence of 10 mM MgCl2. In an in vitro transcription assay using the tac promoter-controlled DNA as a template, the RNA polymerase of P. putida initiated transcription at the same site as that of E. coli.

High-energy spin and charge excitations in electron-doped copper oxide superconductors

The evolution of electronic (spin and charge) excitations upon carrier doping is an extremely important issue in superconducting layered cuprates and the knowledge of its asymmetry between electron- and hole-dopings is still fragmentary. Here we combine X-ray and neutron inelastic scattering measurements to track the doping dependence of both spin and charge excitations in electron-doped materials. Copper L3 resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectra show that magnetic excitations shift to higher energy upon doping. Their dispersion becomes steeper near the magnetic zone centre and they deeply mix with charge excitations, indicating that electrons acquire a highly itinerant character in the doped metallic state. Moreover, above the magnetic excitations, an additional dispersing feature is observed near the Γ-point, and we ascribe it to particle-hole charge excitations. These properties are in stark contrast with the more localized spin excitations (paramagnons) recently observed in hole-doped compounds even at high doping levels.

Efficacy of hypofractionated radiotherapy for nasal tumours in 38 dogs (2005-2008)

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of hypofractionated radiotherapy for canine nasal tumours, including the improvement in clinical signs, rate of complications and assessment of prognostic factors.

METHODS

Medical records of 38 dogs with malignant nasal tumours were reviewed, and those treated with a weekly schedule of hypofractionated radiotherapy were included in the study. Acute and late side effects were defined as complications noted either within 1 month or after 6 months of irradiation, respectively. Progression-free interval and overall survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model were also performed.

RESULTS

Clinical signs improved in 30 of 36 dogs. Acute complications were seen in 28 of 36 dogs and were considered manageable. Late complications were observed in 17 of 30 dogs that survived 6 months or longer, but severe side effects were not observed. The median progression-free interval and overall survival was 245 days (95% CI: 127-512 days) and 512 days (95% CI: 203-820 days), respectively. Age, breed and presence of dyspnoea were negatively correlated with overall survival.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that hypofractionated radiotherapy could be a viable option for the treatment of nasal tumours in dogs that are not candidates for conventional multi-fractionated radiotherapy.

Diagnostic value of MRI for odontogenic tumours

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI for odontogenic tumours.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

51 patients with odontogenic tumours were subjected to pre-operative MRI examinations. For tumours with liquid components, i.e. ameloblastomas and keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KCOTs), the signal intensity (SI) uniformity of their cystic components (UΣ) was calculated and then their UΣ values were compared. For tumours with solid components that had been examined using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), their CImax (maximum contrast index), Tmax (the time when CImax occurred), CIpeak (CImax × 0.90), Tpeak (the time when CIpeak occurred) and CI300 (i.e. the CI observed at 300 s after contrast medium injection) values were determined from CI curves. We then classified the odontogenic tumours according to their DCE-MRI parameters.

RESULTS

Significant differences between the UΣ values of the ameloblastomas and KCOT were observed on T1 weighted images, T2 weighted images and short TI inversion recovery images. Depending on their DCE-MRI parameters, we classified the odontogenic tumours into the following five types: Type A, CIpeak > 2.0 and Tpeak < 200 s; Type B, CIpeak < 2.0 and Tpeak < 200 s; Type C, CI300 > 2.0 and Tmax < 600 s; Type D, CI300 > 2.0 and Tmax > 600 s; Type E, CI300 < 2.0 and Tmax > 600 s.

CONCLUSION

Cystic component SI uniformity was found to be useful for differentiating between ameloblastomas and KCOT. However, the DCE-MRI parameters of odontogenic tumours, except for odontogenic fibromas and odontogenic myxomas, contributed little to their differential diagnosis.

A 34K SNP genotyping array for Populus trichocarpa: design, application to the study of natural populations and transferability to other Populus species

Genetic mapping of quantitative traits requires genotypic data for large numbers of markers in many individuals. For such studies, the use of large single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays still offers the most cost-effective solution. Herein we report on the design and performance of a SNP genotyping array for Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood). This genotyping array was designed with SNPs pre-ascertained in 34 wild accessions covering most of the species latitudinal range. We adopted a candidate gene approach to the array design that resulted in the selection of 34 131 SNPs, the majority of which are located in, or within 2 kb of, 3543 candidate genes. A subset of the SNPs on the array (539) was selected based on patterns of variation among the SNP discovery accessions. We show that more than 95% of the loci produce high quality genotypes and that the genotyping error rate for these is likely below 2%. We demonstrate that even among small numbers of samples (n = 10) from local populations over 84% of loci are polymorphic. We also tested the applicability of the array to other species in the genus and found that the number of polymorphic loci decreases rapidly with genetic distance, with the largest numbers detected in other species in section Tacamahaca. Finally, we provide evidence for the utility of the array to address evolutionary questions such as intraspecific studies of genetic differentiation, species assignment and the detection of natural hybrids.

Spin-stripe density varies linearly with the hole content in single-layer Bi2+xSr2-xCuO6+y cuprate superconductors

We have performed inelastic neutron scattering measurements on the single-layer cuprate Bi(2+x) Sr(2-x) CuO(6+y) (Bi2201) with x = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5, a doping range that spans the spin-glass to superconducting phase boundary. The doping evolution of low energy spin fluctuations (11 </~ meV) was found to be characterized by a change in the incommensurate modulation wave vector from the tetragonal [110] to [100]/[010] directions, while maintaining a linear relation between the incommensurability and the hole concentration, δ ≈ p. In the superconducting regime, the spectral weight is strongly suppressed below ≈ 4 meV. Similarities and differences in the spin correlations between Bi2201 and the prototypical single-layer system La(2-x) Sr(x)CuO(4) are discussed.

Corticosteroids limit microglial activation occurring during acute stress

Our previous studies demonstrated that exposure of animals to acute stress immediately induced morphological microglial activation in the brain. Here we investigated the effects of adrenal corticoids on microglial activation following acute stress. We compared microglial activation in vivo in adrenalectomized (ADX), Sham-operated (SHM), and adrenalectomy plus corticosterone (CORT) administered rats exposed to a 2-h period of acute water restraint stress. We found that: (1) acute stress induced microglial activation in SHM rats; (2) acute stress robustly enhanced microglial activation in ADX rats; (3) CORT treatment significantly reduced the effects of adrenalectomy. Thus, while acute stress has the ability to activate microglia, the magnitude of activation is negatively regulated by CORT. Glucocorticoids may serve as an important endogenous suppressive signal limiting neuroinflammation that might otherwise occur during stress.

Biomarkers for the diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease leading to movement disorders, and is characterized neuropathologically by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, intracellular α-synuclein deposition and the formation of Lewy bodies. The difficulty of making a definitive diagnosis of PD itself, as opposed to other neurodegenerative diseases associated with parkinsonism, is a central issue in clinical PD research. However, recent advances in diagnostic methods, encompassing imaging techniques, genetic testing and measurement of biological markers may permit earlier diagnosis, and thus potentially improved management of PD.

AREAS COVERED

In addition to clinical symptoms and imaging techniques, a number of genetic and biological markers obtained from body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluids may hold promise for the early detection of PD. It is often difficult to make an accurate diagnosis and to distinguish PD from other diseases with features of parkinsonism, particularly during the early stages of the disease. In this regard, biomarkers which are specific for PD, in combination with observation of clinical symptoms, may facilitate the early diagnosis and improved management of PD.

EXPERT OPINION

Good biomarkers for PD could be helpful for early diagnosis, management and tracking of disease progression. Furthermore, combined analysis using several kinds of biomarkers may allow the detection of preclinical PD, which in turn may facilitate a prevention of disease onset with the use of disease-modifying drugs.

Distinct mechanisms of axonal globule formation in mice expressing human wild type α-synuclein or dementia with Lewy bodies-linked P123H β-synuclein

Background

Axonopathy is critical in the early pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Axonal swellings such as globules and spheroids are a distinct feature of axonopathy and our recent study showed that transgenic (tg) mice expressing DLB-linked P123H β-synuclein (P123H βS) were characterized by P123H βS-immunoreactive axonal swellings (P123H βS-globules). Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate α-synuclein (αS)-immunoreactive axonal swellings (αS-globules) in the brains of tg mice expressing human wild-type αS and to compare them with the globules in P123H βS tg mice.

Results

In αS tg mice, αS-globules were formed in an age-dependent manner in various brain regions, including the thalamus and basal ganglia. These globules were composed of autophagosome-like membranous structures and were reminiscent of P123H βS-globules in P123H βS tg mice. In the αS-globules, frequent clustering and deformation of mitochondria were observed. These changes were associated with oxidative stress, based on staining of nitrated αS and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE). In accord with the absence of mitochondria in the P123H βS-globules, staining of nitrated αS and 4-HNE in these globules was weaker than that for αS-globules. Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), the PARK8 of familial PD, was detected exclusively in αS-globules, suggesting a specific role of this molecule in these globules.

Conclusions

Lysosomal pathology was similarly observed for both αS- and P123H βS-globules, while oxidative stress was associated with the αS-globules, and to a lesser extent with the P123H βS-globules. Other pathologies, such as mitochondrial alteration and LRRK2 accumulation, were exclusively detected for αS-globules. Collectively, both αS- and P123H βS-globules were formed through similar but distinct pathogenic mechanisms. Our findings suggest that synuclein family members might contribute to diverse axonal pathologies.

Possible alterations in β-Synuclein, the non-amyloidogenic homologue of α-Synuclein, during progression of sporadic α-synucleinopathies

α-Synucleinopathies are neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by progressive decline of motor and non-motor dysfunctions. α-Synuclein (αS) has been shown to play a causative role in neurodegeneration, but the pathogenic mechanisms are still unclear. Thus, there are no radical therapies that can halt or reverse the disease's progression. β-Synuclein (βS), the non-amyloidogenic homologue of αS, ameliorates the neurodegeneration phenotype of αS in transgenic (tg) mouse models, as well as in cell free and cell culture systems, which suggests that βS might be a negative regulator of neurodegeneration caused by αS, and that "loss of function" of βS might be involved in progression of α-synucleinopathies. Alternatively, it is possible that "toxic gain of function" of wild type βS occurs during the pathogenesis of sporadic α-synucleinopathies, since tg mice expressing dementia with Lewy bodies-linked P123H βS develop progressive neurodegeneration phenotypes, such as axonal pathology and dementia. In this short review, we emphasize the aspects of "toxic gain of function" of wild type βS during the pathogenesis of sporadic α-synucleinopathies.

A case of wound dual infection with Pasteurella dagmatis and Pasteurella canis resulting from a dog bite -- limitations of Vitek-2 system in exact identification of Pasteurella species

Background

Pasteurella species, widely known as indigenous orgganisms in the oral and gastrointestinal floras of many wild and domestic animals, are important pathogens in both animals and humans. Human infections due to Pasteurella species are in most cases associated with infected injuries following animal bites. We encountered a rare case of dual infections caused by different two Pasteurella species occurred in a previously healthy 25-year-old female sustaining injury by a dog-bite.

Methodology

Exudates from the open wound of her dog-bite site, together with the saliva of the dog were submitted for bacteriological examination. Predominantly appearing grayish-white smooth colonies with almost the same colonial properties but slightly different glistening grown on chocolate and sheep blood agar plates were characterized morphologically by Gram's stain, biochemically by automated instrument using Vitek 2 system using GN cards together with commercially available kit system, ID-Test HN-20 rapid panels, and genetically by sequencing the 16S rRNA genes of the organism using a Taq DyeDeoxy Terminator Cycle Sequencing and a model 3100 DNA sequencer instrument.

Results

The causative isolates from the dog-bite site were finally identified as P. canis and P. dagmatis from the findings of the morphological, cultural, and biochemical properties together with the comparative sequences of the 16S rRNA genes. Both the isolates were highly susceptible to many antibiotics and the patient was successfully treated with the administration of so-called the first generation cephalosporin, cefazolin followed by so-called the third generation cephalosporin, cefcapene pivoxil. The isolate from the dog was subsequently identified as P. canis, the same species as the isolate from the patient.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this was the second report of a dual infection with Pasteurella species consisting of P. dagmatis and P. canis resulting from a dog-bite, followed by the first report of dual infections due to P. dagmatis and P. multocida in 1988. Our isolate finally identified as P. dagmatis was misidentified as P. pneumotripica by means of the Vitek 2 system. The species name "P. dagmatis" was not included in the database of the system. It is also important for routine clinical microbiology laboratories to know the limitation of the automated Vitek 2 system for the accurate identification of Pasteurella species especially P. dagmatis. It should be emphasized that there still exists much room for improvement in Vitek 2 system. Significant improvement of Vitek 2 system especially in the identification of Pasteurella species is urgently desired.

Ibuprofen ameliorates protein aggregation and astrocytic gliosis, but not cognitive dysfunction, in a transgenic mouse expressing dementia with Lewy bodies-linked P123H β-synuclein

Epidemiological studies have shown that ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, reduces the risk for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). In this context, it has been shown that chronic treatment with ibuprofen improves cognitive dysfunction and histopathologic outcome in mouse models of AD. However, the therapeutic effects of ibuprofen in animal models of PD and related synucleinopathies such as dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) have not been investigated. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine if ibuprofen ameliorates neuropathology and cognitive dysfunction in a transgenic (tg) mouse expressing DLB-linked P123H β-synuclein. P123H β-synuclein tg mice and their non-tg littermates aged 3 months were given ibuprofen in their diet (n=13). Controls did not receive ibuprofen (n=11). After 3 months, the mice were evaluated using a Morris water maze test, followed by neuropathological analyses. Compared to control P123H β-synuclein tg mice, P123H β-synuclein tg mice that received ibuprofen had significantly reduced protein aggregation and astrogliosis. However, ibuprofen treatment produced little improvement of the learning disability of P123H β-synuclein tg mice in the Morris water maze test. These results suggest that amelioration of neuropathologies by ibuprofen does not necessarily lead to improved cognitive function in synucleinopathies such as DLB.

G-CSF induces focal intense bone marrow FDG uptake mimicking multiple bone metastases from uterine cervical cancer: a case report and review of the literature

We describe a case of FIGO Stage IB2 uterine cervical cancer which showed focal intense bone marrow FDG uptake mimicking bone metastases after the administration of G-CSF This case highlights the importance of avoiding the administration of G-CSF prior to PET imaging.

Hidden itinerant-spin phase in heavily overdoped La(2-x)Sr(x)CuO4 superconductors revealed by dilute Fe doping: a combined neutron scattering and angle-resolved photoemission study

We demonstrated experimentally a direct way to probe a hidden propensity to the formation of a spin-density wave in a nonmagnetic metal with strong Fermi surface nesting. Substituting Fe for a tiny amount of Cu (1%) induced an incommensurate magnetic order below 20 K in heavily overdoped La(2-x)Sr(x)CuO(4). Elastic neutron scattering suggested that this order cannot be ascribed to the localized spins on Cu or doped Fe. Angle-resolved photoemission revealed a strong Fermi surface nesting inherent in the pristine La(2-x)Sr(x)CuO(4) that likely drives this order. Our finding presents the first example of the long-sought "itinerant-spin extreme" of cuprates, where the spins of itinerant doped holes define the magnetic ordering ground state; it complements the current picture of cuprate spin physics that highlights the predominant role of localized spins at lower dopings.

An x-ray scattering study of the structural phase transition in La(2-x)Sr(x)Cu0.99Fe0.01O4 (x = 0.20)

We report a comprehensive x-ray scattering study of the low-temperature orthorhombic (LTO)-high-temperature tetragonal (HTT) structural phase transition in 1% iron-doped La(2-x)Sr(x)CuO(4) (x = 0.2). The superlattice (032) peak intensity and the width are investigated in detail for a wide temperature range. We found that the structural phase transition is not sharp and the tilt ordering of the CuO(6) octahedra persists above the transition temperature T(S) (≈77 K). Even at room temperature, the superlattice peak is still observable. The structural phase transition is identified as an order-disorder type phase transition. We found that the tilt ordering in our iron-doped material is always short-ranged, and in the HTT phase the correlation between the tilts along the b axis is better preserved than that along the a axis. Moreover, we identify the role of the Fe as the nucleation centers of the LTO domains in the structural phase transition.

Olmesartan, a novel angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, reduces severity of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E deficient mice associated with reducing superoxide production

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Oxidative stress may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Some angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor antagonists have the capacity of reducing oxidative stress in addition to the hemodynamic actions. Accordingly, we assessed the hypothesis that olmesartan, a novel AT(1) receptor antagonist, reduced the severity of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein (apo) E-deficient mice associated with reducing oxidative stress.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Atherosclerosis was induced in apo E-deficient mice fed a high fat diet. Mice were intraperitoneally treated with an injection of olmesartan (1mg/kg/day) daily over 8 weeks, and were compared with the untreated controls. Blood pressure was not changed significantly by the olmesartan treatment. Fatty streak plaque developed in apo E-deficient mice, and was suppressed in mice that received olmesartan. In addition, olmesartan reduced not only superoxide production but the overload of oxidative stress in aortic walls. There were no significant differences in serum lipid levels between olmesartan-treated and -untreated groups. In vitro study showed that both olmesartan and its active metabolite RNH-6270, an enantiomer of olmesartan, suppressed interferon-γ, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, and thioredoxin (a marker of oxidative stress) concentrations in cultured cells.

CONCLUSION

Olmesartan may suppress atherosclerosis via reducing not only superoxide production but also the overload of oxidative stress in this animal model.

The activation of P2X7 receptor induces cathepsin D-dependent production of a 20-kDa form of IL-1β under acidic extracellular pH in LPS-primed microglial cells

The potent pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), is synthesized as an inactive 33-kDa precursor (pro-IL-1β) and is processed by caspase 1 into the bioactive 17-kDa mature form. The P2X7 receptor, an ATP-gated cation channel, plays an essential role in caspase 1 activation, production and release of mature bioactive 17-kDa form. We recently reported ATP induces the release of an unconventional 20-kDa form of IL-1β (p20-IL-1β) from lipopolysaccharide-primed microglial cells. Emerging evidence suggests physiological relevance for p20-IL-1β; however, the underlying mechanisms for its production and release remain unknown. Here, we investigated the pathways involved in the ATP-induced production of p20-IL-1β using lipopolysaccharide-primed mouse microglial cells. The activation of P2X7 receptor by ATP triggered p20-IL-1β production under acidic extracellular conditions. ATP-induced p20-IL-1β production was blocked by pepstatin A, a potent inhibitor of the lysosomal protease, cathepsin D. The removal of extracellular Ca(2+) inhibited the p20-IL-1β production as well as ATP-induced cathepsin D release via lysosome exocytosis. The acidic extracellular pH also facilitated the dilatation of membrane pore after ATP stimulation. Since facilitation of pore dilatation results in cytolysis accompanied with cytoplasmic pro-IL-1β leakage, our data suggest the leaked pro-IL-1β is processed into p20-IL-1β by cathepsin D released after ATP stimulation under acidic extracellular conditions.

Cold stress induced morphological microglial activation and increased IL-1β expression in astroglial cells in rat brain

The present study investigated the possible impact of cold stress on the immune functions of the brain. Wistar rats were exposed to 4°C for 2h prior to analysis of immunohistochemical analysis of OX-42 and IL-1β, which are markers of microglia and inflammation, respectively. Exposure to cold stress induced morphological microglial activation in as early as 30 min, and the activation lasted up to 2h following the stress. In addition, increased IL-1β-immunoreactivity was detected in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. However, IL-1β was not co-localized with microglia, and was predominantly expressed in astroglia. The present study provides the first evidence that cold stress contributes to neuro-immunomodulation in the brain through microglial activation and expression of IL-1β in astroglia.