Comprehensive lipidomic, metabolomic and proteomic profiling reveals the role of immune system in vitiligo

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a common depigmentation disorder resulting from destruction of melanocytes, and has both genetic and environmental influences. Although genomic analyses have been performed to investigate the pathogenesis of vitiligo, the lipidomics, metabolomics and proteomics of serum have not been reported, and the role of small molecules and serum proteins in vitiligo remains unknown.

AIM

To study the metabolite and protein profiles in patients with vitiligo and healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

Plasma samples from 60 participants (29 patients with vitiligo and 31 HCs) were analysed. Untargeted lipidomics, metabolomics and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification-based proteomics were performed using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, to validate differentially expressed metabolites in patients with vitiligo, plasma enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed.

RESULTS

We identified differential expression of several metabolites and proteins involved in the immune system. Among these metabolites and proteins, lysophosphatidylcholine, platelet-activating factor, sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine, succinic acid, CXCL4 and CXCL7 were significantly elevated in the plasma of patients with vitiligo, while aspartate was downregulated.

CONCLUSION

Our study has characterized several serum metabolites and proteins that could be potential candidate biomarkers in vitiligo, and provides a comprehensive insight into the role of immune system and aspartate metabolism in vitiligo.

Chinese Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR) Registry XI: gender impact on long-term outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this paper is to assess the role of gender on survival rate and causes of death and organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in China from 2009 to 2015.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter cohort study to analyze the differences in outcome data between male and female SLE patients. A group of 1494 SLE patients who fulfilled the 1997 American College of Rheumatology SLE classification criteria were enrolled in the Chinese Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR) registry from April 2009 to February 2010. All enrolled patients were followed up at least once per year from 2009 to 2015. For patients who could not attend the outpatient clinic, follow-up was conducted by telephone interview. We collected demographic data, clinical manifestations and damage scores (System Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI)). Survival rates were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

This study included 1352 women and 142 men. The five-year survival rates were 92.0% for men and 97.6% for women. The survival rates of males were significant lower than for females ( p = 0.019). Male patients received methylprednisolone pulse therapy and cyclophosphamide significantly more than female patients ( p = 0.010). During follow-up, 12 male patients and 66 female patients died. The most common cause of death was infection (41.7%) for men and active SLE disease (27.3%) for women. At the end of the study, the major accumulated organ damages included renal (8.5%) and musculoskeletal (7.7%), and nervous system (5.6%) for men and renal (8.8%) and musculoskeletal (6.7%) for women. There were no significant differences in SDI scores between the two groups at baseline and at the end of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Male SLE patients had lower survival rates than female patients. Male patients received more methylprednisolone pulse and cyclophosphamide therapy. The most common causes of death were infection for male patients and active SLE disease for female patients. The major accumulated organ damages were renal, musculoskeletal, and nervous system both for male and female SLE patients in China.

Search for Sterile Neutrinos in MINOS and MINOS+ Using a Two-Detector Fit

A search for mixing between active neutrinos and light sterile neutrinos has been performed by looking for muon neutrino disappearance in two detectors at baselines of 1.04 and 735 km, using a combined MINOS and MINOS+ exposure of 16.36×10^{20} protons on target. A simultaneous fit to the charged-current muon neutrino and neutral-current neutrino energy spectra in the two detectors yields no evidence for sterile neutrino mixing using a 3+1 model. The most stringent limit to date is set on the mixing parameter sin^{2}θ_{24} for most values of the sterile neutrino mass splitting Δm_{41}^{2}>10^{-4}  eV^{2}.

Dual antiplatelet therapy reduced stroke risk in high-risk patients with transient ischaemic attack assessed by ABCD3-I score

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Several clinical trials have demonstrated that dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) benefited patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) with an ABCD2 score ≥4. The present study aimed to investigate whether the ABCD3-I score could be a more appropriate tool for selection of patients with TIA to receive DAPT in real-world settings.

METHODS

We derived data from the TIA database of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. The predictive outcome was ischaemic stroke at 90 days. The additive interaction effect was presented by the attributable proportion due to interaction. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to present cumulative stroke rates in different risk categories with monotherapy and DAPT. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine risk factors associated with stroke.

RESULTS

Among 785 patients, the mean (SD) age was 56.95 (12.73) years and 77 patients (9.8%) had an ischaemic stroke at 90 days. A total of 55.8% of patients (attributable proportion due to interaction; 95% confidence interval, 20.8%-90.9%) were attributed to additive interaction of ABCD3-I score and antiplatelet therapy. Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significant difference between patients receiving monotherapy and DAPT in high-risk patients with TIA (P = 0.021). DAPT reduced 90-day stroke risk in high-risk patients with TIA as assessed independently by ABCD3-I score (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.92, P = 0.031). The benefit did not exist in low- and medium-risk patients by ABCD3-I score (patients with ABCD2 score ≥ 4 or <4).

CONCLUSIONS

High-risk patients with TIA assessed by ABCD3-I score received the most pronounced clinical benefit from early use of DAPT in real-world clinical experience.

Safety and efficacy of vesatolimod (GS-9620) in patients with chronic hepatitis B who are not currently on antiviral treatment

Vesatolimod is an oral agonist of toll-like receptor 7 designed to minimize systemic exposure and side effects. We assessed the safety and efficacy of vesatolimod in viremic chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients not currently on oral antiviral treatment (OAV) in a phase 2, multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. A total of 192 patients stratified by HBeAg status and alanine aminotransferase level were randomized 2:2:2:1 to receive oral vesatolimod (1-, 2- or 4-mg) or placebo once weekly for 12 weeks; tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (300-mg daily) was administered daily for 48 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by quantitative serum HBsAg decline at Week 24 from baseline. In addition to safety assessments, changes in whole-blood interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) transcripts and serum cytokines were explored. Most patients were male (64.1%) and HBeAg-negative (60.9%) at baseline. Among vesatolimod-treated patients, most (60.4%-69.1%) experienced ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse event; the majority were mild or moderate in severity. No clinically meaningful differences in HBsAg changes from baseline were observed between treatment groups. No patients experienced HBsAg loss, while 3 patients experienced HBeAg loss and hepatitis B e-antibody seroconversion at week 48. HBV DNA suppression rates were similar across all treatment arms at Week 24. ISG15 induction was dose-dependent and did not correlate with HBsAg changes. A small proportion of patients exhibited dose-dependent interferon-α induction that correlated with grade of influenza-like adverse events. Overall, vesatolimod is safe and well tolerated in CHB patients. Although consistent dose-dependent pharmacodynamic induction of ISGs was demonstrated, it did not result in clinically significant HBsAg decline.

Molecular characterization, expression pattern and metabolic activity of flavin-dependent monooxygenases in Spodoptera exigua

Enhanced detoxification is one of the important mechanisms for insecticide resistance. Most research in this field to date has focused on the role of cytochrome P450s. Our previous work revealed that flavin-dependent monooxygenases (FMOs) were involved in metabolic resistance of Spodoptera exigua. In the present study we investigated the molecular characteristics, expression patterns and oxidative activities of SeFMO on insecticides. Three FMO genes, which encode proteins with the typical FMO motifs, were cloned from S. exigua. The oxidative activities of eukaryotically expressed SeFMO enzymes were verified with the model substrate of FMO. Importantly, the SeFMOs had significantly higher oxidative activities on metaflumizone and lambda-cyhalothrin than on model substrates and other insecticides tested. The three SeFMOs were mainly expressed in the midgut, fat body and Malpighian tubules. The tissues responsible for xenobiotic metabolism and their expression characteristics were similar to those of P450s acting as detoxification genes. The study also revealed that the expression of SeFMOs could be induced by insecticide exposure, and that SeFMOs were over-expressed in a metaflumizone-resistant strain of S. exigua. These results suggest that SeFMOs are important insecticide detoxifying enzymes, and that over-expression of FMO genes may be one of the mechanisms for metabolic resistance in S. exigua.

The involvement of AQP1 in myocardial edema induced by pressure overload in mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) on heart edema induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in mice, and to explore whether inhibiting the expression of AQP1 could attenuate myocardial edema and improve cardiac function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: (1) the sham group; 2) the sham + acetazolamide group: mice were orally gavaged with acetazolamide (20 mg/kg/day) after sham operation; (3) the TAC group: a mouse model of pressure overload induced by TAC for two weeks; (4) the TAC + acetazolamide group: mice were orally gavaged with acetazolamide (20 mg/kg/day) after TAC. Cardiac function was detected by echocardiography after 2 weeks' TAC. The ratio of heart weight to body weight (HW/BW) and myocardial water content were calculated. The mRNA and protein expressions of AQP1 were measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

Significant myocardial hypertrophy and dysfunction were found in TAC mice. The ratio of HW/BW, myocardial water content, and the mRNA and protein expression of AQP1 of the TAC group were markedly higher than those of the sham group. By contrast, acetazolamide administration reduced the ratio of HW/BW and myocardial water content, whereas improved cardiac dysfunction induced by TAC. Moreover, acetazolamide reduced the mRNA and protein expression of AQP1 in TAC mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of AQP1 was closely related to myocardial edema induced by TAC. The inhibition of AQP1 could reduce myocardial edema and improve cardiac dysfunction.

Influence of light intensity on chloroplast development and pigment accumulation in the wild-type and etiolated mutant plants of Anthurium andraeanum 'Sonate'

Seedlings of wild-type and etiolate mutant plants of Anthurium andraeanum cultivar 'Sonate' were treated for 15 d with different light intensities (20, 100, and 400 µmol·m^-2·s^-1) to analyze leaf plastid development and pigment content. Significant changes appeared in treated seedlings, including in leaf color, plastid ultrastructure, chloroplast development gene AaGLK expression, chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents, and protoplast shape. Wild-type and etiolated plants exhibited different plastid structures under the same light condition. The results suggest that light intensity is a crucial environmental factor influencing plastid development and leaf color formation in the A. andraeanum cultivar 'Sonate'.

Transplantation of CREG modified embryonic stem cells improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction in mice

Engraftment of embryonic stem cells (ESC) has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for post-infarction cardiac dysfunction. However, only mild function improvement has been achieved due to low survival rate and paracrine dysfunction of transplanted stem cells. Cellular repressor of E1A stimulated genes (CREG) has been reported to be a secreted glycoprotein implicated in promoting survival and differentiation of many cell types. Therefore we hypothesized that transplantation of genetically modified ESC with CREG (CREG-ESC) can improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction in mice. A total of 2 × 10⁵ CREG-ESC or EGFP-ESC were engrafted into the border zone in a myocardial infarction model in mice. Cardiac function, infarct size and fibrosis at 4 weeks, survival of transplanted ESC, apoptosis and cytokine level of heart tissue, and teratoma formation were assessed in vivo. Apoptosis of ESC under inflammatory stimuli and cardiac differentiation of ESC were investigated in vitro. After 4 weeks, we found transplantation of CREG-ESC could significantly improve cardiac function, ameliorate cardiac remodeling, and reduce infarct size and fibrosis area. Transplantation of CREG-ESC remarkably increased ESC survival in the border zone and inhibited apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, the decrease of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and increase of anti-inflammatory factors (TGF-β, bFGF and VEGF165) in the border zone were higher in CREG-ESC transplanted hearts. Safety evaluation showed that all transplantation at 2 × 10⁵ per heart dose produced no teratoma. Surprisingly, the mice with 3.0 × 10⁶ CREG-ESC transplantation was demonstrated teratoma free without cardiac rhythm disturbances in contrast to 100% teratoma formation and rhythm abnormality for the same dose of EGFP-ESC transplantation. In addition, overexpression of CREG inhibits ESC apoptosis and enhanced their differentiation into cardiomyocytes in vitro. Transplantation of CREG-modified ESC exhibits a favorable survival pattern in infarcted hearts, which translates into a substantial preservation of cardiac function after acute myocardial infarction.

Chemokine CC-motif ligand 2 participates in platelet function and arterial thrombosis by regulating PKCα-P38MAPK-HSP27 pathway

BACKGROUND

Studies indicate that chemokine CC-motif ligand 2 (CCL2) is involved in inflammation and atherosclerosis. However, the roles and mechanisms of CCL2 on platelet function and arterial thrombosis are unknown.

METHODS

The expressions of CCL2 or CCR2 in the plasma, platelets and coronary thrombus of ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients were examined by ELISA, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The roles of CCL2 on platelet aggregation, activation and secretion were examined by light transmission aggregometry, flow cytometry and ELISA.

RESULTS

The expressions of CCL2 or CCR2 in the plasma or platelets of STEMI patients with platelet high response were higher than those with platelet normal response; In vitro, exogenous recombinant human CCL2 markedly increased platelet aggregation, activation and granule secretion, which were abolished by CCL2 neutralizing antibody or CCR2 inhibiter. CCL2 increased the phosphorylation levels of PKCα (Thr638), P38MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182) and HSP27 (S78/S82) in human platelets, which were abrogated by PKCα inhibitor (RO 318220) or P38MAPK inhibitor (SB 203580). RO 318220 or SB 203580 diminished CCL2-induced platelet function. In CCL2^-/- mice, platelet aggregation and secretion were attenuated; the phosphorylation of PKCα, P38MAPK and HSP27 were decreased. In a carotid arterial thrombus mouse model, CCL2^-/- mice displayed a significantly extended carotid artery occlusion time compared with wild type.

CONCLUSIONS

CCL2 played important roles in regulating platelet function and arterial thrombosis through the PKCα-P38MAPK-HSP27 pathway, which might provide theoretical basis for searching new antiplatelet drugs and the treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

Clinical Significance of Intraplaque Hemorrhage in Low- and High-Grade Basilar Artery Stenosis on High-Resolution MRI

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intraplaque hemorrhage within intracranial atherosclerotic plaques identified by high-resolution MR imaging has been studied as a potential marker of stroke risk. However, previous studies only examined intracranial arteries with high-grade stenosis (degree of stenosis, >50%). This study aimed to ascertain the clinical relevance of intraplaque hemorrhage in patients with low- and high-grade stenotic basilar artery plaques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with basilar artery stenosis (n = 126; mean age, 62 ± 10 years; 66 symptomatic and 60 asymptomatic) underwent high-resolution MR imaging. The relationship between imaging findings (intraplaque hemorrhage, contrast enhancement, degree of stenosis, minimal lumen area, and plaque burden) and symptoms was analyzed.

RESULTS

Intraplaque hemorrhage was identified in 22 patients (17.5%), including 21 (31.8%) symptomatic patients and 1 (1.7%) asymptomatic patient. Multivariate analysis showed that intraplaque hemorrhage was the strongest independent marker of symptomatic status (odds ratio, 27.5; 95% CI, 3.4-221.5; P = .002). Contrast enhancement was also independently associated with symptomatic status (odds ratio, 9.9; 95% CI, 1.5-23.6; P = .016). Stenosis, minimal lumen area, and plaque burden were not correlated with symptoms (P > .05). Intraplaque hemorrhage was present in both low- and high-grade stenotic basilar arteries (11.3% versus 16.3%, P = .63). Diagnostic performance values of intraplaque hemorrhage for patients with acute/subacute symptomatic stroke were the following: specificity, 98.3%; sensitivity, 31.8%; positive predictive value, 95.5%; and negative predictive value, 56.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraplaque hemorrhage is present in both low- and high-grade stenotic basilar artery plaques and is independently associated with symptomatic stroke status. Intraplaque hemorrhage may identify high-risk plaque and provide new insight into the management of patient with stroke without significant stenosis.

Oral peripheral ameloblastoma: A retrospective series study of 25 cases

Background

Peripheral ameloblastoma (PA) is a rare and unusual variant of odontogenic tumor, which was described only in isolated case reports in literature. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical profile, treatment and outcome of PA in a consecutive case series.

Material and Methods

A total of 25 patients with histologically confirmed PA from 2001 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed in our institution.

Results

Of the 25 patients, 22 males and 3 females were identified (male: female = 7.3:1). The average age was 48.3 years (range 11-81 years) with lingual or palate gingival region being the most common site (76%). The course of disease was less than 6 months in 92.0% (23/25) of all patients (mean, 3.3 months; range, 1-12 months). All patients underwent complete surgical removal of the lesions, and one lesion recurrence occurred during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The clinical profile and outcome of PA from Eastern China were elucidated in this retrospective analysis based on a case series. Our experience may provide some insights into the differential diagnosis and clinical management of PA. The first choice of treatment is surgical excision, which can result in a good prognosis.

Key words:Peripheral ameloblastoma, clinical profile, outcome.

Differential expressions of MDM2 and TAP73 in cancer and cancer-adjacent tissues in patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma

AIM

To investigate the differences in mRNA and protein expressions of MDM2 (mouse double minute 2 homolog) and P73 in cancer and cancer-adjacent tissues in patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We compared the protein expressions of MDM2 and P73 in lung cancer and cancer-adjacent tissues in NSCLC patients by IHC (immunohistochemistry) and WB (Western blot). We divided the NSCLC patients into two subgroups, adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma. The mRNA expressions of two main isoforms of P73, TAP73 and DNP73, as well as the ratio of DNP73/TAP73 were analyzed by qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) in the two tissues in all NSCLC patients and in patients with adenocarcinoma or squamous carcinoma, respectively.

RESULTS

WB results did not show significant differences in MDM2 and P73 protein expressions in lung cancer and cancer-adjacent tissues. However, IHC results indicated that MDM2 expression significantly increased in cancer tissues in female patients, but not male patients. In addition, TAP73 mRNA expression significantly increased in cancer tissues in all NSCLC patients (p=0.002) and in patients with adenocarcinoma (p=0.01); while there was no significant difference in DNP73 mRNA expression. Hence the fold-change of DNP73/TAP73 ratio significantly decreased (p=0.0003) in cancer tissues in all NSCLC patients and in patients with adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

TAP73 mRNA expression significantly increased in cancer tissues than cancer-adjacent tissues in all NSCLC patients and in patients with adenocarcinoma. Meanwhile, the fold-change of DNP73/TAP73 ratio was similar to TAP73. MDM2 protein expression significantly increased in cancer tissues in female NSCLC patients.

Retinal changes following rapid ascent to a high-altitude environment

PurposeTo determine what impact rapid ascension to a high-altitude environment has on the retina with the aim of preventing and treating high-altitude oculopathy.Patients and methodsParticipants in the study were members of the Chinese military assigned to the high-altitude environment of the Tibetan plateau. Ninety-one participants were enrolled in the study. Optical coherence tomography was used to measure the thickness of retina-related indicators. Measurements were taken before and after exposure to the high-altitude environment and upon return to the baseline altitude.ResultsFollowing exposure to the high-altitude environment in Tibet, there was a significant increase in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in the temporal and nasal quadrants of the optic disc, whilst a significant decrease in RNFL thickness in the inferior optic disc was also observed. A significant increase in RNFL thickness in the superior and inferior macula was also evident, along with a significant increase in the ganglion cell layer thickness in the superior macula. Upon return to the baseline altitude, all measurements returned to baseline levels except for the RNFL of the inferior macula, which was significantly thicker. Pathological changes were also documented in the eyes of nine participants upon returning to baseline altitude, including ischemic optic neuropathy, myopia, and cortical amaurosis.ConclusionsThe high-altitude environment can have a negative impact on the health of the retina and may contribute to the incidence of various eye diseases. This study deepens the understanding of what impact a high-altitude environment has on retina and provides reliable data for blindness prevention and treatment.

109 Dosage Compensation of the X Chromosome in Ovine Embryos, Late Gestation, and Adult Somatic Tissues

Deviations from proper gene dosage of the autosome range from severe to lethal consequences in mammals. Eutherian males (XY), however, have reduced gene dosage compared with females (XX) due to a single X and deteriorating Y chromosome. This dosage imbalance is resolved through X chromosome dosage compensation, according to Ohno’s hypothesis: X-linked gene expression is doubled in both males and females to balance expression of the X chromosome and autosomes. To compensate for doubled X chromosome expression in females, X chromosome inactivation (XCI) inactivates a single X chromosome in each cell. Although these mechanisms have been well studied in mice and humans, controversies exist due to the analysis and interpretation of RNA sequencing data. Here we described X chromosome dosage compensation in the sheep. Twelve ewes were fed 100% (control), 60% (restricted), or 140% (overfed) of the National Research Council requirements for a ewe pregnant with twins (NRC, 1985; Nutrient Requirements of Sheep, 6th ed.). Day 135 brain, lung, and kidney tissues were collected from fetuses of the control, restricted, and overfed groups (n = 7, 4, and 4; respectively). RNA seq libraries were prepared using the Illumina TruSeq stranded mRNA kit and sequenced on the NextSEqn 500 (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Two additional RNA-seq datasets were downloaded from Sequence Read Archive (SRA), including Day 14 embryos (PRJNA254105), and adult and juvenile heart, brain, liver, muscle, rumen, and female- and male-specific tissues (PRJEB6169). The RNA-seq data were trimmed and mapped to the ovine reference genome assembly Oar_v4.0 using Hisat2 (version 2.0.5; https://ccb.jhu.edu/software/hisat2/index.shtml) aligner. The mRNA level of each gene was estimated by transformed transcripts per kilobase million (TPM) and was quantified using IsoEM (version 1.1.4; http://dna.engr.uconn.edu/). The relative expression of X to autosomal (A)(RXE) was calculated using RXE = log2(X expression) – log2(A expression) with an average of 486 X-linked genes and 13,001 autosomal genes after TPM >1 filtering. RXE ≥0 (or X:A ratio ≥ 1); <0, = –1 indicate complete, incomplete, or no dosage compensation; respectively. Control, restricted, and overfed ovine fetal somatic tissues displayed incomplete dosage compensation. Incomplete dosage compensation was also observed in juvenile and adult somatic major organs and female specific tissues. Brain tissues, apart from the cerebellum, displayed complete dosage compensation with an RXE range of 0 to 0.16. An interesting pattern was observed in the male specific tissues with complete dosage compensation in the epididymis (RXE = 0.32) and incomplete dosage compensation in the testes (RXE = –0.84). No significant RXE differences were observed between ovine female and male somatic tissues, supporting Ohno’s hypothesis of balanced expression of X-linked genes to autosomal genes. Our results indicate that a mechanism for dosage compensation exists in the sheep, although it is largely incomplete.

Protective effects of Nano-elemental selenium against chromium-vi-induced oxidative stress in broiler liver

The valuable role of selenium in mitigation of oxidative stress and heavy metal toxicity is well-known. Thus, the aim of the current study on broiler chickens was to examine whether nano elemental selenium (Nano-Se) supplementation can reduce the effects of chromium VI (K2Cr2O7) toxicity. For this purpose, a total of 150, one-day-old broiler chickens were allotted to five groups with three replicates: control group (standard diet), poisoned group (K2Cr2O7 via drinking water), protection group (K2Cr2O7 + Nano- Se), cure group (K2Cr2O7 for initial 2 weeks and then Nano-Se), and prevention group (opposite to the cure group). The broilers were detected by the activities of marker enzymes and oxidative stress markers including, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), malondialdehyde (MDA), respectively. The (K2Cr2O7 administration caused histopathological damage in the liver of the chickens. Moreover, changes in serum biochemical indicators and oxidative stress parameters were also observed. Nano-Se supplementation increased the levels of GSH-px but reduced the activities of SOD, MDA, GGT, ALT and AST in the experimental groups (P less than 0.05). Our results showed that Nano-Se plays a protective role by preventing the oxidative stress induced by the chromium VI in broiler chickens.

Associations of urinary sodium and sodium to potassium ratio with hypertension prevalence and the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with prehypertension

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of urinary sodium and sodium to potassium ratio on inflammatory cytokines, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease in patients with prehypertension. The authors observed 627 patients with prehypertension in the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region. Rank correlation analysis revealed that interleukin 6 expression exhibited significant positive correlations with urinary sodium (R = .13) and sodium to potassium ratio (R = .13). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio of 24-hour urinary sodium was 1.01 (95% confidence interval, 1.00 - 1.01) for hypertension and 1.01 (95% confidence interval, 1.00 - 1.02) for cardiovascular disease, whereas the hazard ratio for 24-hour urinary sodium to potassium ratio was 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.08 - 1.19) for hypertension and 1.10 (95% confidence interval, 1.04 - 1.17) for cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that a high-salt diet may lead to increased interleukin 6 levels and may contribute to hypertension. In addition, a high sodium to potassium ratio and high sodium levels are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and hypertension in patients with prehypertension.

Exome sequencing identifies a TCF4 mutation in a Chinese pedigree with symmetrical acral keratoderma

BACKGROUND

Symmetrical acral keratoderma (SAK) is a rare skin disorder and its pathogenesis and inheritability are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the inheritance and pathogenesis of SAK.

METHODS

Four SAK cases occurred in a four-generation Chinese family. Exome sequencing identified SNPs with potential SAK-related mutations, and a potentially responsible gene transcription factor 4 (TCF4) was identified. TCF4 was then sequenced in all 11 family members, and pedigree analysis was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry evaluated TCF4 expression in skin lesions. The gene mutation was investigated in human keratinocytes for keratin-related protein expression.

RESULTS

A novel heterozygous missense mutation, c.85C>A (p.Pro29Thr) was found in TCF4. The mutation showed autosomal dominant inheritance and perfectly cosegregated with the SAK phenotype in all family members. In skin lesions, TCF4 was present in the cytoplasm and membranes of the basal layer, the stratum spinosum and the stratum granulosum of the epidermis. The mutant TCF4 induced overexpression of differentiation markers including KRT1, KRT14, loricrin and involucrin.

CONCLUSIONS

A SAK-related gene mutation in TCF4 may function through transcriptional regulation of keratin.

[Laryngeal endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy for cricopharyngeal achalasia post stroke]

Objective: To explore the safety and validity of endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy in patients with cricopharyngeal achalasia. Methods: A total of 19 patients with cricopharyngeal achalasia suffered from sustained dysphagia were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into transcervical cricopharyngeal myotomy(CPM) group and endoscopic CPM (ECPM) group. Swallowing function and complications were evaluated.SPSS7.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The swallowing function improved significantly in seven patients in ECPM group, and 9 patients improved in CPM group.The video fluoroscopic swallowing study(VFSS)-swallowing score, VFSS-aspiration score and drinking test score were (3.1±1.1), (3.4±0.8) and (2.0±0.6)in post-ECPM, (3.4±1.4), (3.0±0.9) and (2.2±0.6)in post-CPM. No statistical difference was found in validity between CPM group and ECPM group(t=-0.435, t=1.086, t=-0.607, P>0.05). No statistical difference was observed on the occurrence of complication between two groups. Only one patient had subcutaneous emphysema after operation in ECPM. Conclusions: New surgical instruments and endoscopic surgical technique were safe and effective for cricopharyngeal achalasia. Because these instruments are cheaper, laryngeal endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy is easier to be popularized more easily than microscopic laser assistted CPM.

HLA-B*40:356, identified by next-generation sequence based typing in a Chinese tuberculosis patient

HLA-B*40:356 differs from B*40:02:01 by only one nucleotide transition, C>A 1040 in exon 6.

CREG1 heterozygous mice are susceptible to high fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance

Cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes 1 (CREG1) is a small glycoprotein whose physiological function is unknown. In cell culture studies, CREG1 promotes cellular differentiation and maturation. To elucidate its physiological functions, we deleted the Creg1 gene in mice and found that loss of CREG1 leads to early embryonic death, suggesting that it is essential for early development. In the analysis of Creg1 heterozygous mice, we unexpectedly observed that they developed obesity as they get older. In this study, we further studied this phenotype by feeding wild type (WT) and Creg1 heterozygote (Creg1^+/-) mice a high fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. Our data showed that Creg1^+/- mice exhibited a more prominent obesity phenotype with no change in food intake compared with WT controls when challenged with HFD. Creg1 haploinsufficiency also exacerbated HFD-induced liver steatosis, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. In addition, HFD markedly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma and epididymal adipose tissue in Creg1^+/- mice as compared with WT controls. The activation level of NF-κB, a major regulator of inflammatory response, in epididymal adipose tissue was also elevated in parallel with the cytokines in Creg1^+/- mice. These pro-inflammatory responses elicited by CREG1 reduction were confirmed in 3T3-L1-derived adipocytes with CREG1 depletion by siRNA transfection. Given that adipose tissue inflammation has been shown to play a key role in obesity-induced insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, our results suggest that Creg1 haploinsufficiency confers increased susceptibility of adipose tissue to inflammation, leading to aggravated obesity and insulin resistance when challenged with HFD. This study uncovered a novel function of CREG1 in metabolic disorders.

Measurement of the Neutrino Mixing Angle θ_{23} in NOvA

This Letter reports new results on muon neutrino disappearance from NOvA, using a 14 kton detector equivalent exposure of 6.05×10^{20} protons on target from the NuMI beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The measurement probes the muon-tau symmetry hypothesis that requires maximal θ_{23} mixing (θ_{23}=π/4). Assuming the normal mass hierarchy, we find Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.67±0.11)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} and sin^{2}θ_{23} at the two statistically degenerate values 0.404_{-0.022}^{+0.030} and 0.624_{-0.030}^{+0.022}, both at the 68% confidence level. Our data disfavor the maximal mixing scenario with 2.6σ significance.

[Distribution of electroencephalograph power density in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea during different sleep stages]

Objective: To investigate the variation of electroencephalograph(EEG) power density during different sleep stages in OSA for understanding of the mechanisms underlying the brain dysfunction in OSA as well as its earlier diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Sixteen-channel EEGs from OSA patients and normal controls in stage wake, sleep stage 1, sleep stage 2, sleep stage 3 and rapid eye movement stage were analyzed by time-frequency analysis method. The EEG power density in different frequency bands (including δ, θ, α, σ, β and γ) was respectively compared between the 2 groups. The correlation between the variation in the EEG power and primary indices of polysomnography was further analyzed. Results: The EEG power density in δ band in stage wake [OSA: (0.82±0.13) μV(2)/Hz, Control: (0.66±0.02) μV(2)/Hz, t=4.309, P<0.05], stage 1 [OSA: (1.28±0.07) μV(2)/Hz, Control: (0.92±0.04) μV(2)/Hz, t=-3.369, P<0.05] and stage 3 [OSA: (2.74±0.22) μV(2)/Hz, Control: (2.04±0.07) μV(2)/Hz, t=-2.669, P<0.05] was significantly higher in OSA, compared with that in the control. Statistical analysis showed that the EEG power density was significantly higher in frontal and central regions in stage wake [frontal: OSA: (0.90±0.02) μV(2)/Hz, Control: (0.66±0.02) μV(2)/Hz, t=8.539, P<0.01; central: OSA: (1.15±0.06) μV(2)/Hz, Control: (0.72±0.02) μV(2)/Hz, t=6.669, P<0.01] and stage 1 [frontal: OSA: (1.23±0.03) μV(2)/Hz, Control: (0.99±0.03) μV(2)/Hz, t=5.983, P<0.01; central: OSA: (1.52±0.05) μV(2)/Hz, Control: (1.14±0.04) μV(2)/Hz, t=5.714, P<0.01], as well as central region in stage 3 [OSA: (3.24±0.17) μV(2)/Hz, Control: (2.71±0.08) μV(2)/Hz, t=2.707, P<0.05]. The correlation analysis showed that the power density in central region in stage 1 and stage 3 was positively correlated with arousal index (r=0.877 in stage 1, 0.656 in stage 3), implying that sleep fragmentation was closely related to the variation of EEG power density during nocturnal sleep in OSA. Conclusions: The feature stages for OSA are stage wake, stage 1 and stage 3. The EEG power density in OSA (δ band) was significantly higher than that in the control. The EEG power density in OSA and the control shows differences in frontal and central regions in stage wake and stage 1, as well as in central region in stage 3. The results indicate that low-frequency EEG power density giving priority to frontal area and central area has improved in severe OSA, which may be related to the neurologic deficits in corresponding brain areas.

Transition Metal Chelator Induces Progesterone Production in Mouse Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes and Corpora Lutea

Progesterone production is upregulated in granulosa cells (cumulus and mural) after the LH surge, but the intra-follicular mechanisms regulating this transition are not completely known. Recent findings show that the transition metal chelator, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)-ethylenediamine (TPEN), impairs ovarian function. In this study, we provide evidence that chelating transition metals, including zinc, enhances progesterone production. The findings show that TPEN (transition metal chelator) increases abundance of Cyp11a1 and Star messenger RNA (mRNA) between 8- and 20-fold and progesterone production more than 3-fold in cultured cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC). Feeding a zinc-deficient diet for 10 days, but not 3 days, increased Star, Hsd3b, and prostaglandin F2 alpha receptor (Ptgfr) mRNA ~2.5-fold, suggesting that the effect of TPEN is through modulation of zinc availability. Progesterone from cumulus cells promotes oocyte developmental potential. Blocking progesterone production with epostane during maturation reduced subsequent blastocyst formation from 89 % in control to 18 % in epostane-treated complexes, but supplementation with progesterone restored blastocyst developmental potential to 94 %. Feeding a zinc-deficient diet for 5 days before ovulation did not affect the number of CL, STAR protein, or serum progesterone. However, incubating luteal tissue with TPEN increased abundance of Star, Hsd3b, and Ptgfr mRNA 2-3-fold and increased progesterone production 3-fold. TPEN is known to abolish SMAD2/3 signaling in cumulus cells. However, treatment of COC with the SMAD2/3 phosphorylation inhibitor, SB421542, did not by itself induce steroidogenic transcripts but did potentiate EGF-induced Star mRNA expression. Collectively, the results show that depletion of transition metals with TPEN acutely enhances progesterone biosynthesis in COC and luteal tissue.

Rapid in-focus corrections on quantitative amplitude and phase imaging using transport of intensity equation method

Transport of intensity equation (TIE) method can acquire sample phase distributions with high speed and accuracy, offering another perspective for cellular observations and measurements. However, caused by incorrect focal plane determination, blurs and halos are induced, decreasing resolution and accuracy in both retrieved amplitude and phase information. In order to obtain high-accurate sample details, we propose TIE based in-focus correction technique for quantitative amplitude and phase imaging, which can locate focal plane and then retrieve both in-focus intensity and phase distributions combining with numerical wavefront extraction and propagation as well as physical image recorder translation. Certified by both numerical simulations and practical measurements, it is believed the proposed method not only captures high-accurate in-focus sample information, but also provides a potential way for fast autofocusing in microscopic system.

Cellular Repressor of E1A-Stimulated Genes Is a Critical Determinant of Vascular Remodeling in Response to Angiotensin II

Objective—

Cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes (CREG) is a lysosomal glycoprotein implicated in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Here, we have hypothesized that CREG is a critical target of intervention for the prevention of hypertensive vascular remodeling.

Approach and Results—

CREG gene expression was significantly decreased accompanied by an upregulated expression of angiotensin II (Ang II) in remodeled vascular tissues of high salt–induced Dahl salt-sensitive rats and Ang II–induced mice. In particular, the downregulation of CREG gene was Ang II specific and independent from blood pressure. Prominent medial hypertrophy and vascular fibrosis in both thoracic aortas and mesenteric arteries were observed in CREG +/− mice infused with Ang II than in CREG +/+ mice, but blunted response in CREG +/+ mice received recombinant human CREG protein, suggesting that changes in CREG expression account for the different phenotype between genotypes. Within a tiled promoter array, E26 transformation-specific-1 binds to CREG promoter at high stringency with the stimulation of Ang II. Moreover, the Ang II–induced E26 transformation-specific-1 directly interacted with the CREG promoter (-1179 and -271 bp) and inhibited its transcription in vascular smooth muscle cells. Selective, pharmacological inhibition of E26 transformation-specific-1 led to restoration of CREG expression in aortas and rescue of experimental vascular remodeling by systemic administration of dominant negative E26 transformation-specific-1 membrane-permeable peptides.

Conclusions—

CREG is a novel mediator of vascular remodeling in response to Ang II and may be an attractive therapeutic target for prevention of vascular diseases.

FBXL4 defects are common in patients with congenital lactic acidemia and encephalomyopathic mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome

Mutations in FBXL4 have recently been recognized to cause a mitochondrial disorder, with clinical features including early onset lactic acidosis, hypotonia, and developmental delay. FBXL4 sequence analysis was performed in 808 subjects suspected to have a mitochondrial disorder. In addition, 28 samples from patients with early onset of lactic acidosis, but without identifiable mutations in 192 genes known to cause mitochondrial diseases, were examined for FBXL4 mutations. Definitive diagnosis was made in 10 new subjects with a total of 7 novel deleterious variants; 5 null and 2 missense substitutions. All patients exhibited congenital lactic acidemia, most of them with severe encephalopathic presentation, and global developmental delay. Overall, FBXL4 defects account for at least 0.7% (6 out of 808) of subjects suspected to have a mitochondrial disorder, and as high as 14.3% (4 out of 28) in young children with congenital lactic acidosis and clinical features of mitochondrial disease. Including FBLX4 in the mitochondrial diseases panel should be particularly important for patients with congenital lactic acidosis.

125 INCOMPLETE COMPENSATORY UP-REGULATION OF X-LINKED GENES IN BOVINE GERMLINE, EARLY EMBRYOS, AND SOMATIC TISSUES

The maintenance of a proper gene dosage is essential in cellular networks. To resolve the dosage imbalance between eutherian females (XX) and male (XY), X chromosome inactivation (XCI) occurs in females, while X-chromosome dosage compensation up-regulates the active X to balance its expression with that of autosome pairs [Ohno’s hypothesis; Ohno 1967 Sex Chromosomes and Sex-linked Genes (Springer-Verlag), p. 99]. These phenomena have been well studied in humans and mice, despite many controversies over the existence of such up-regulation. Using RNA sequencing data, we determined X chromosome dosage compensation in the bovine by analysing the global expression profiles of germ cells, embryos, and somatic tissues. Eight bovine RNA-seq data sets were obtained in from the Gene Expression Omnibus, covering bovine immature/mature oocytes (GSE59186 and GSE52415), pre-implantation conceptuses (GSE59186, GSE52415, and GSE56513), extra-embryonic tissues (PRJNA229443), and male/female somatic tissues (GSE74076, GSE63509, PRJEB6377, and GSE65125). The RNAseq data were trimmed and non-uniquely (paralogs included) mapped to the bovine reference genome assembly UMD3.1.1 using Hisat2 (version 2.0.5) aligner. The mRNA level of each gene, estimated by transformed transcripts per kilobase million was quantified by IsoEM (version 1.1.5). These RNA-seq data sets represented 4 chromosome scenarios in cells: XXXX:AAAA (diploid immature oocyte with DNA duplication), XX:AA (haploid mature oocyte with DNA duplication), XX:AA and X:AA (gradual changed X status in bovine pre-implantation conceptuses), and X:AA (extra-embryonic tissues and somatic cells in female with one active X or XY male) were analysed for dosage compensation. A total of 959 X-linked genes and 20,316 autosome genes were used to calculate the relative X to autosomal gene (A) expression (RXE): log2 (X expression) − log2 (A expression). The following dosage determinations were made: RXE values ≥ 0: complete dosage compensation (or X: A ratio ≥ 1); RXE values < 0: in-complete dosage compensation; RXE value = −1: no dosage compensation (or X: A ratio = 0.5). Our analyses showed a decreased RXE after fertilization, from −0.33 in matured oocytes to −0.50 at the 2-cell stage, indicating that the sperm that undergo meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) bring in inactive X chromosomes to the matured oocytes. Subsequently, the activation of the bovine embryonic genome at the 4- to 8-cell stage increased RXE from −0.54 to −0.05. This was followed by a sharp RXE decline from −0.02 at the 16-cell stage, 0.1 at the 32-cell stage to −0.29 at the compact morula stage, which is known as paternal X inactivation stage in the bovine. Finally, RXE was stabilised from blastocysts −0.19 through the Day 19 conceptuses −0.25 to somatic tissue average −0.21 with a pattern of incomplete X compensation. These findings support X expression up-regulation as proposed by Ohno. No significant RXE differences were observed between bovine female and male somatic tissues, further supporting Ohno’s hypothesis, which predicts a balance in the expression of X-linked genes to that of autosomes. This study confirms Ohno’s hypothesis of X dosage compensation in bovine germ cells, early embryos, and somatic tissues.

130 A CATALOG OF REFERENCE GENES WITH HIGH, MEDIUM, AND LOW LEVELS OF EXPRESSION DURING BOVINE IN VIVO PRE-IMPLANTATION DEVELOPMENT

Appropriate reference genes for accurate normalization in RT-PCR are essential for the study of gene expression. Ideal reference genes should not only have stable expression across stages of embryo development, but also be expressed at comparable levels to the target genes. Using RNA-seq data from in vivo-produced bovine oocytes and embryos from the 2-cell to blastocyst stage (Jiang et al., 2014 BMC Genomics 15, 756), we tried to establish a catalogue of all reference genes for RT-PCR analysis. One-way ANOVA generated 4055 genes that did not differ across stages. To reduce this list, we used the entire RNA-seq data set and first removed genes with a FPKM (fragments per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads) of <1, and then rescaled each gene’s expression values within a range of 0 to 1. We subsequently calculated the expression variance for each gene across all stages. By assuming that the calculated variances follow a Gaussian distribution and that the majority of the genes do not have a stable expression level, a gene was classified as a reference if its variance significantly deviated (P < 0.05) from these assumptions. We identified 346 potential reference genes, all of which were among the candidates from the ANOVA analysis. We arbitrarily assigned genes in this list to high (FPKM ≥ 100), medium (10 < FPKM < 100), and low expression levels (FPKM ≤ 10), and 37, 154, and 155 genes, respectively, fell into these groups. Surprisingly, none of the commonly used reference genes, such as GAPDH, PPIA, ACTB, PRL15, GUSB, and H3F2A, were identified as being stably expressed across in vivo development. This is consistent with findings of prior RT-PCR studies (Robert et al. 2002 Biol. Reprod. 67, 1465–1472; Ross et al. 2010 Cell Reprogram. 12, 709–717). The following gene ontology terms were significantly enriched for the 346 genes: cell cycle, translation, transport, chromatin, cell division, and metabolic process, indicating that the early embryos maintained constant levels of genes involved in fundamental biological functions. Finally, we performed RT-PCR to validate the RNA-seq results using different bovine in vivo-derived oocytes and embryos (n = 3/stage). We successfully validated 10 selected genes, including those in the high (CS, PGD, and ACTR3), medium (CCT5, MRPL47, COG2, CRT9, and HELLS), and low expression groups (CDC23 and TTF1). In conclusion, we recommend the use of reference genes that are expressed at comparable levels to target genes. This study offers a useful resource to aid in the appropriate selection of reference genes, which will improve the accuracy of quantitative gene expression analyses across bovine embryo pre-implantation development.

127 ABUNDANCE OF mRNA FOR HISTONE VARIANTS, HISTONE, AND DNA MODIFICATION ENZYMES IN BOVINE IN VIVO OOCYTES AND PRE-IMPLANTATION EMBRYOS

During early embryogenesis, chromatin composition and structure undergo dramatic changes due to replacement of canonical histones by histone variants, post-translational modifications of histones, and changes in DNA methylation. These dynamics of chromatin play important roles in the regulation of gene expression and development of embryonic cells. Our goal here is to describe the above-mentioned changes using recently established transcriptome profiles of bovine in vivo-produced oocytes and pre-implantation embryos (Jiang et al. 2014 BMC Genomics, 15, 1). Ten multiparous Holstein cows were synchronized and superovulated. Artificial insemination was conducted at 12 and 24 h post-standing heat using semen from bulls of proven fertility. In vivo-matured oocytes and 2- to 16-cell stage embryos were collected at 30 h, and 2 to 4 days after oestrus by oviducal flushing. Early morulae, compact morulae, and blastocysts were collected by non-surgical uterine flushing on days 5, 6, and 7 after oestrus. Single-cell deep sequencing libraries were prepared from oocytes/embryos (2 samples/stage) using a SOLiDTM Total RNA-seq Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) following the manufacturer’s instructions and sequenced on a 5500xl Genetic Analyzer. The reproducibility of the preparation and sequencing methods were indicated by high Pearson correlation efficiencies between the replicates. Sequencing reads were normalized to transcripts per million as final results after trimming and mapping of the reads. We found that 8, 8, 7, 13, 10, 2, and 2 out of the 14, 52, 22, 31, 23, 4, and 3 annotated histone variants, histone methyl-tranferases, histone demethylases, histone acetyl-tranferases, histone deacetylases, DNA methyl-transferases, and DNA demethylases, respectively, were highly abundant (mean transformed transcripts per kilobase million > 50) in at least one of the pre-implantation development stages studied. Among histone variants with high mRNA abundance, H1FOO, H3F3A, and H3F3B were highly stored in oocytes, whereas other variants such as H2AFJ, H2AFV, H2AFX, H2AFY, H2AFZ, and CENPA were largely transcribed after the embryonic genome activation. H3F3A and H3F3B, however, were maintained at relatively high levels throughout pre-implantation development. Additionally, the mRNA for histone acetyl-transferases, TADA2A and TADA1; histone deacetylase, HDAC1 and HDAC3; histone methyl-transferases, EED and PRMT5; histone demethylase, KDM1A, were more abundant than others. It was also found that oocytes stored a large amount of DNA methyl-transferase, DNMT1, which degraded gradually after fertilization. Overall, in vivo-produced oocytes and early embryos contained more mRNA for histone-modifying enzymes than those for DNA modification. Taken together, our results suggest that although there are widely recognised and dramatic changes in embryonic DNA methylation through both active and passive mechanisms, the pre-implantation embryos may be more engaged in modifying histones than DNA.