Fructo-oligosaccharides lower serum lipid levels and suppress high-fat/high-sugar diet-induced inflammation by elevating serum and gut levels of short-chain fatty acids

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on serum lipid levels and to determine the mechanisms underlying these effects and the potential role of inflammation.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice received a normal diet, a high-fat/high-sugar (HFS) diet, or an HFS diet supplemented with 10% FOS for 10 weeks. In vivo intestinal and serum short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were measured by gas chromatography. In vivo serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were also measured. Lipid accumulation was visualized. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was evaluated and apoptosis was quantified.

Results

FOS reversed in vivo HFS-induced lipid accumulation in the liver. An HFS diet increased ALT, AST, TC, TG, and LDL serum levels, decreased HDL serum levels, and increased IL-6, TNF-α, 8-OHdG, and MDA levels. These changes were reduced by FOS. FOS also increased intestinal and serum levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In vitro, SCFAs ameliorated palmitic acid-induced ROS production and apoptosis of HepG2 cells.

Conclusion

FOS supplementation lowers serum lipid levels and ameliorates HFS-induced inflammation by upregulating SCFAs.

Cloning, expression, and evolutionary analysis of α-gliadin genes from Triticum and Aegilops genomes

Fifteen novel α-gliadin genes were cloned and sequenced from Triticum and related Aegilops genomes by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR). Sequence comparison displayed high diversities in the α-gliadin gene family. Four toxic epitopes and glutamine residues in the two polyglutamine domains facilitated these α-gliadins to be assigned to specific chromosomes. Five representative α-gliadin genes were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli, and their amount reached a maximum after 4 h induced by isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), indicating a high level of expression under the control of T7 promoter. The transcriptional expression of α-gliadin genes during grain development detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed a similar up-down regulation pattern in different genotypes. A neighbor-joining tree constructed with both full-open reading frame (ORF) α-gliadin genes and pseudogenes further revealed the origin and phylogenetic relationships among Triticum and related Aegilops genomes. The evolutionary analysis demonstrated that α-gliadin genes evolved mainly by synonymous substitutions under strong purifying selection during the evolutionary process.

HPV-16 E1, E2 and E6 each complement the Ad5 helper gene set, increasing rAAV2 and wt AAV2 production

Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV) is a popular vector for human gene therapy, because of its safety record and ability to express genes long term. Yet large-scale recombinant (r) AAV production remains problematic because of low particle yield. The adenovirus (Ad) and herpes (simplex) virus helper genes for AAV have been widely used and studied, but the helper genes of human papillomavirus (HPV) have not. HPV-16 E1, E2 and E6 help wild-type (wt) AAV productive infection in differentiating keratinocytes, however, HEK293 cells are the standard cell line used for generating rAAV. Here we demonstrate that the three HPV genes were unable to stimulate significant rAAV replication in HEK293 cells when used alone. However, when used in conjunction (complementation) with the standard Ad5 helper gene set, E1, E2 and E6 were each capable of significantly boosting rAAV DNA replication and virus particle yield. Moreover, wt AAV DNA replication and virion yield were also significantly boosted by each HPV gene along with wt Ad5 virus co-infection. Mild-to-moderate changes in rep- and cap-encoded protein levels were evident in the presence of the E1, E2 and E6 genes. Higher wt AAV DNA replication was not matched by similar increases in the levels of rep-encoded protein. Moreover, although rep mRNA was upregulated, cap mRNA was upregulated more. Higher virus yields did correlate most consistently with increased Rep52-, VP3- and VP-related 21/31 kDa species. The observed boost in wt and rAAV production by HPV genes was not unexpected, as the Ad and HPV helper gene sets do not seem to recapitulate each other. These results raise the possibility of generating improved helper gene sets derived from both the Ad and HPV helper gene sets.

Effects of human soluble BAFF synthesized in Escherichia coli on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes as well as NK cells in mice

B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF, also called BLyS, TALL-1, zTNF-4, or THANK) is an important survival factor for B lymphocytes. In this study, we injected mouse abdominal cavity with human soluble BAFF (hsBAFF, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 2 mg/kg body mass) synthesized in Escherichia coli. On the 8th day after injection, we investigated the effects of hsBAFF on immune functional activities of splenic B lymphocytes, CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells in mice. The results showed that B lymphocyte proliferation significantly increased in hsBAFF-treated groups with dosages of 0.1 mg/kg (p<0.05), 0.5 and 2 mg/kg (p<0.01). We observed a dose-dependent increase of CD4(+) T lymphocyte percentage and significantly higher values in 0.5 and 2 mg/kg hsBAFF-treated groups (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively) compared to control group, but CD8(+) T lymphocyte percentage remained unchanged. The ratio of CD4(+) to CD8(+) T lymphocytes rose with increasing hsBAFF dosage (p<0.05 for 2 mg/kg hsBAFF vs. control). Significantly stronger NK cell activities were found in 0.5 and 2 mg/kg hsBAFF-treated groups (p<0.05). The main finding of this study is that the hsBAFF can enhance immune responses in the body by increasing B lymphocyte and CD4(+) T lymphocyte function as well as elevating NK cell activity.

Magnetic field application or mechanical stimulation via magnetic microparticles does not enhance chondrogenesis in mesenchymal stem cell sheets

Using a novel magnetic field bioreactor, this work evaluated the chondrogenesis of scaffold-free human mesenchymal stem cell sheets in response to static and variable magnetic fields, as well as mechanical stimulation via 4.4 μm magnetic particles. Neither static nor variable magnetic fields generated by 1.44-1.45 T permanent magnets affected cartilage formation. Notably, magnetic field-induced mechanical stimulation by magnetic particles, which applied forces to the cells and ECM statically (4.39 pN) or cyclically (1.06-63.6 pN; 16.7 mHz), also did not affect cartilage formation.

No effect of AR polyG polymorphism on spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy phenotype

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Disease severity varies considerably among patients with Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA). Our aim was to investigate the role of androgen receptor (AR) polymorphic repeats in SBMA phenotype.

METHODS

We analyzed the length of AR polyQ and polyG tracts in 159 SBMA patients.

RESULTS

No relationship between polyG size or polyG/polyQ haplotypes and clinical phenotype was found. An independent negative correlation between polyQ-length and onset of weakness was confirmed (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The negative results of our study prompt to continue the search for potential disease modifiers in SBMA outside the AR gene.

Anti-rat ICAM-1 antibody does not influence the course of experimental melanin-induced uveitis

PURPOSE

Experimental melanin-induced uveitis (EMIU) is a T cell-mediated rat model of acute anterior uveitis. We investigated the possibility of preventing the inflammation with monoclonal antibody directed against rat intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1).

METHODS

To induce EMIU, Lewis rats were immunized with bovine ocular melanin extract (250-500 microg). Each day from day 6 post-immunization, rats were injected intraperitoneally with anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody (IA29) or normal mouse serum, and examined with a slit-lamp biomicroscope. On the first day of clinical inflammation, intravital microscopy of iris vasculature was performed on each animal following intraperitoneal injection of rhodamine 6G. At the peak of clinical inflammation, rats were killed, and eyes were examined histologically. Binding potency of IA29 was tested by flow cytometry using concanavalin A-stimulated rat T cells. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect IA29 on rat uveal vascular endothelium.

RESULTS

The ability of IA29 to bind T cell blasts was present to a 1:2000 dilution, and IA29 was readily detectable on uveal vascular endothelium following systemic administration. However, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in incidence, time of onset, or severity or histological appearance of EMIU for the rats treated with IA29 when compared with the control rats. Intravital microscopy revealed sticking of leukocytes in the iris vasculature in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We were unable to demonstrate an inhibitory effect of anti-rat ICAM-1 antibody on the outcome of EMIU. Our observations may reflect a redundancy in the adhesion molecule profile responsible for this uveitis.

Long non-coding RNA WAC antisense RNA 1 mediates hepatitis B virus replication <em>in vitro</em> by reinforcing miR-192-5p/ATG7-induced autophagy

Long non-coding RNA WAC antisense RNA 1 (lncRNA WAC-AS1) is involved in the replication of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The purpose of this study was to determine its functions and specific mechanism. The levels of lncRNA WAC-AS1, RNA (miR)-192-5p and were examined in serum of HBV-infected patients and in HepG2.2.15 cells using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Using the database starBase, the target binding sites of lncRNA WAC-AS1 and miR-192-5p were predicted and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. The expression of pgRNA and HBV DNA was determined by qRT-PCR, while the levels of HBeAg and HBsAg were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using laser scanning confocal microscopy, the light chain 3 (LC3) expression was analyzed. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to assess the expression of beclin-1, p62, and LC3I/II. Overexpression of lncRNA WAC-AS1, upregulation of ATG7. and downregulation of miR-192-5p were observed in the serum of HBV-infected patients and the in vitro model. miR-192-5p directly targets lncRNA WAC-AS1. LncRNA WAC-AS1 was downregulated in lncRNA WAC-AS1-shRNA‒transfected cells. miR-192-5p was upregulated in lncRNA WAC-AS1-shRNA-transfected cells and downregulated in cells transfected with a miR-192-5p inhibitor. In HepG2 2.15 cells, the downregulation of lncRNA WAC-AS1 inhibited HBV replication and autophagy. In contrast, the miR-192-5p inhibitor-transfected group exhibited the opposite results, and ATG7 overexpression reversed the effects of miR-192-5p mimic or lncRNA WAC-AS1-shRNA on HBV replication and cell autophagy. Our findings indicate that lncRNA WAC-AS1 regulates HBV replication by reinforcing the autophagy induced by miR-192-5p/ATG7. Consequently, lncRNA WAC-AS1 may serve as a therapeutically-promising target in HBV patients.

Role of synovial lymphatic function in osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects the entire joint, initially with a low degree of inflammation. Synovitis is correlated with the severity of OA clinical symptoms and cartilage degradation. The synovial lymphatic system (SLS) plays a prominent role in clearing macromolecules within the joint, including the pro-inflammatory cytokines in arthritic status. Scattered evidence shows that impaired SLS drainage function leads to the accumulation of inflammatory factors in the joint and aggravates the progression of OA, and the role of SLS function in OA is less studied.

DESIGN

This review summarizes the current understanding of synovial lymphatic function in OA progression and potential regulatory pathways and aims to provide a framework of knowledge for the development of OA treatments targeting lymphatic structure and functions.

RESULTS

SLS locates in the subintima layer of the synovium and consists of lymphatic capillaries and lymphatic collecting vessels. Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is the most critical regulating factor of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and SLS. Nitric oxide production-induced impairment of lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs) and contractile function may attribute to drainage dysfunction. Preclinical evidence suggests that promoting lymphatic drainage may help restore intra-articular homeostasis to attenuate the progression of OA.

CONCLUSION

SLS is actively involved in the homeostatic maintenance of the joint. Understanding the drainage function of the SLS at different stages of OA development is essential for further design of therapies targeting the function of these vessels.

Elevational sensitivity in an Asian 'hotspot': moth diversity across elevational gradients in tropical, sub-tropical and sub-alpine China

South-western China is widely acknowledged as a biodiversity ‘hotspot’: there are high levels of diversity and endemism, and many environments are under significant anthropogenic threats not least climate warming. Here, we explore diversity and compare response patterns of moth assemblages among three elevational gradients established within different climatic bioregions - tropical rain forest, sub-tropical evergreen broad-leaved forest and sub-alpine coniferous forest in Yunnan Province, China. We hypothesised that tropical assemblages would be more elevationally stratified than temperate assemblages, and tropical species would be more elevationally restricted than those in the temperate zone. Contrary to our hypothesis, the moth fauna was more sensitive to elevational differences within the temperate transect, followed by sub-tropical and tropical transects. Moths in the cooler and more seasonal temperate sub-alpine gradient showed stronger elevation-decay beta diversity patterns, and more species were restricted to particular elevational ranges. Our study suggests that moth assemblages are under threat from future climate change and sub-alpine rather than tropical faunas may be the most sensitive to climate change. These results improve our understanding of China’s biodiversity and can be used to monitor future changes to herbivore assemblages in a ‘hotspot’ of biodiversity.

RNAseq profiling of primary microglia and astrocyte cultures in near-term ovine fetus: A glial in vivo-in vitro multi-hit paradigm in large mammalian brain

BACKGROUND

The chronically instrumented fetal sheep is a widely used animal model to study fetal brain development in health and disease, but no methods exist yet to interrogate dedicated brain cell populations to identify their molecular and genomic phenotype. For example, the molecular mechanisms whereby microglia or astrocytes contribute to inflammation in the brain remain incompletely understood.

NEW METHOD

Here we present a protocol to derive primary pure microglial or astrocyte cultures from near-term fetal sheep brain, after the animals have been chronically instrumented and studied in vivo. Next, we present the implementation of whole transcriptome sequencing (RNAseq) pipeline to deeper elucidate the phenotype of such primary sheep brain glial cultures.

RESULTS

We validate the new primary cultures method for cell purity and test the function of the glial cells on protein (IL-1β) and transcriptome (RNAseq) levels in response to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in vitro.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS

This method represents the first implementation of pure microglial or astrocytes cultures in fetal sheep brain.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented approach opens new possibilities for testing not only supernatant protein levels in response to an in vitro challenge, but also to evaluate changes in the transcriptome of glial cells derived from a large mammalian brain bearing high resemblance to the human brain. Moreover, the presented approach lends itself to modeling the complex multi-hit paradigms of antenatal and perinatal cerebral insults in vivo and in vitro.

The association of bisphenol A exposure with premature ovarian insufficiency: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

A few epidemiological investigations and animal studies have demonstrated that bisphenol A (BPA) may affect female reproductive health. However, no epidemiologic study has investigated the relationship between BPA exposure and the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

METHODS

In this case-control study, urinary concentrations of BPA and serum levels of reproductive hormone were measured. Associations between BPA concentrations and the risk of POI and POI-related hormone levels were estimated.

RESULTS

Among BPA quartiles, no obvious association was found between BPA levels and the risk of POI (p = 0.603). Although the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of POI was slightly increased for participants in the highest BPA concentration quartile, the association was not statistically significant (OR = 1.282, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.615-2.049 for the highest vs. lowest quartile, p = 0.508). Although follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels showed no tendency of an association with BPA (p = 0.941 and p = 0.876 for FSH and AMH, respectively), the highest quartile of luteinizing hormone was significantly positively associated with BPA levels (OR = 1.333, 95% CI 0.986-1.803, p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

The urinary concentrations of BPA determined in this study were consistent with the range of exposure currently observed in Chinese women. However, BPA exposure at a relatively low level is not associated with POI in Chinese women. Further epidemiological studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Platelet characteristic antigens of CD34+ cells in cryopreserved cord blood: a study of platelet-derived microparticles in transplant processing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In previous studies, we found that platelet microparticles (PMPs) bind to cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells and transfer adhesion molecules to them, which enhances their engraftment. Before applying this phenomenon in actual transplants, we investigated the effect of PMPs on cryopreserved CD34+ cells in CB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We cryopreserved 18 CB units, then evaluated the binding of PMPs to CD34+ cells after thawing, by varying the expression of platelet characteristic antigens (CD41a, CD61, CD62P and CXCR4) on these cells. Adherence of the CD34+ cells, coated with freeze/thaw-induced PMPs, to endothelium and fibronectin was also studied, as were the effects of thrombin-induced PMPs from both fresh and preserved CB platelets.

RESULTS

PMPs induced by freezing and thawing adhered less well to CD34+ cells than did those from fresh CB, and cells coated with these PMPs had poor adherence. However, thrombin-induced PMPs from both fresh and preserved CB platelets bound equally well to cryopreserved CD34+ cells and improved their adhesion properties.

CONCLUSIONS

PMPs could be a useful tool for enhancing engraftment after CB transplantation.

The role of EGFR MAbs C225 in breast cancer stem cells

e22093

Background: The epithermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) signaling pathways has been implicated in self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells. It has been proved that the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor-gefitinib significantly decreased the mammosphere- forming efficiency(MFE) in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) derived cancer cells. We investigated the response of breast cancer stem cells in breast cancer cell line MCF-7 to EGFR MAbs C225(cetuximab). Methods: Cells were used for nonadherent (i.e.,mammosphere) culture and were divided into four groups according to the different culture medium whether or not including exogenous EGF and MAbs C225. MFE was calculated as the number of mammospheres (≥60um) and was expressed as a percentage. We Compared the percentage of CD44+/CD24- cells from the four groups, and measured the levels of the Wnt and Notch-3 gene expression of the four groups. Results: There was no significant difference of MFE between groups. In the presence of exogenous EGF, MAbs C225 significantly decreased the MFE and the percentage of CD44+/CD24- cells of mammospheres compared with exogenous EGF alone(0.7% versus 1.5%, P < 0.001 and 4% versus 11%P < 0.001;respectively). In the absence of exogenous EGF, MAbs C225 aslo statistically decreased the MFE and the percentage of CD44+/CD24- cells of mammospheres compared with that of lacking exogenous EGF and MAbs C225(0.53% versus 1.3%,P = 0.003 and 9% versus 3%, P < 0.01;respectively). And we observed that the Notch-3 gene expression was compensativly increased in the two groups of addition of MAb C225. No significant differences of Wnt gene expression were observed between groups. Conclusions: EGFR MAbs C225 could disrupt mammoshpere formation and decrease the percentage of CD44+/CD24- cells of mammoshpere cells. The expression of Notch-3 is increased with the EGFR antagonistics in breast cancer stem cells.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Differential circular RNA expression profiles in umbilical cord blood exosomes from preeclampsia patients

Background

Exosomal circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of physiological development and disease pathogenesis. However, the roles of exosomal circRNAs from umbilical cord blood in preeclampsia (PE) occurrence remains poorly understood.

Methods

We used microarray technology to establish the differential circRNA expression profiles in umbilical cord blood exosomes from PE patients compared with normal controls. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to further predict the potential effects of the differentially expressed circRNAs and their interactions with miRNAs.

Results

According to the microarray data, we identified 143 significantly up-regulated circRNAs and 161 significantly down-regulated circRNAs in umbilical cord blood exosomes of PE patients compared with controls. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) biological pathway analyses showed that circRNA parental genes involved in the regulation of metabolic process, trophoblast growth and invasion were significantly enriched, which play important roles in PE development. Moreover, pathway network was constructed to reveal the key pathways in PE, such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Further circRNA/miRNA interactions analysis demonstrated that most exosomal circRNAs had miRNA binding sites, and some miRNAs were associated with PE.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of exosomal circRNAs in the pathogenesis of PE and lay a foundation for extensive studies on the role of exosomal circRNAs in PE development.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03777-7.

The Effects of an Integrated Exercise Intervention on the Attenuation of Frailty in Elderly Nursing Homes: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

The frail elderly have an increased risk of frailty because of reduced physical activity, cognitive ability and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the effects of integrated exercise intervention on the attenuation of frailty in elderly nursing home residents.

DESIGN

This study was a cluster randomized controlled trial.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

146 elderly frailty people from 8 elderly nursing homes in Harbin, China, were randomly assigned into the intervention group and control group after obtaining their informed consent.

INTERVENTION

The intervention group performed integrated exercise interventions for 12 months, while the control group only continued with their daily activities.

MEASUREMENTS

Sociodemographic, health-related data, frailty levels, gait parameters, cognition, and quality of life were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 80.74± 2.89 years, and 70.37% (n=95) were female. The Difference-in-difference regression showed that, compared with the control group, phenotypic frailty score (β3 =-1.40, p < 0.001) and stride time (β3 = -0.38, p <0.001) decreased significantly in the intervention group, stride velocity (β3 = 0.24, p < 0.001), step length (β3 = 0.08, p <0.001), cadence (β3 = 17.79, p < 0.001), MMSE total score (β3 = 1.90, p < 0.001) and QOL total score (β3 = 11.84, p < 0.001) increased significantly in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION

The integrated exercise intervention can effectively improve the attenuation of frailty, gait parameters, cognitive function, and quality of life in elderly nursing homes. We can use the findings of this study as a reference for the design of activities for the elderly nursing home residents, to provide them with appropriate exercises, improve their physical functions, and improve or delay their frailty level, which is principally important for developing countries in east Asia where rehabilitation resources are generally scarce.

Molecular characterization of Asian maize inbred lines by multiple laboratories

This study focuses on the standardization of techniques across laboratories to enable multiple datasets to be compared and combined in order to obtain reliable and robust wide-scale patterns of diversity. A set of protocols using a core collection of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, reference lines and standard alleles, plus a common system of allele nomenclature, was adopted in the study of maize genetic diversity in a network of laboratories in Asia. Pair-wise allele comparisons of the reference lines, done to assess the general agreement between datasets from four laboratories, showed error rates (raw) ranging from 5.8% to 9.7%, which were reduced to less than 8% after adjustments of correctable errors, and further reduced to less than 6% after the exclusion of all markers with greater than 10% individual error rates. Overall, 45% of the total mismatches were due to frameshift errors, 39% to wrong allele size, 15% to failed amplification and 1% to "extra" alleles. Higher genetic similarity values of the reference lines were achieved using fewer markers with data of higher quality rather than with more markers of questionable quality. Cluster analysis of the merged datasets showed the lines from southern China to be highly diverse, falling into six of the seven clusters observed and all well represented by tester lines. The lines from Indonesia fell into five of six groups, with two main groups represented by tester lines. The CIMMYT lines developed for the Asian region showed a relatively narrow genetic base, falling in two out of seven and in three out of six clusters in China and Indonesia, respectively. In contrast to the case in southern China where 95% of the lines clustered separately from the CIMMYT lines, lines in the Indonesian breeding program show a closer relationship with the CIMMYT lines, reflecting a long history of germplasm exchange.