LiCl Promotes Recovery of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis and Dysgeusia

Oral mucositis and taste dysfunction are frequently complained by patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy, challenging the clinical outcome of cancer treatment. Recent studies have indicated the protective role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) and its pivotal role in the development and self-renewal of taste buds. The current study hypothesizes that lithium chloride (LiCl), a potent activator of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, can promote the postirradiation restoration of oral mucosa integrity and taste function. To validate this hypothesis, we established a RIOM mouse model and evaluated the treatment efficacy of LiCl on oral mucositis and taste dysfunction in comparison with keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), an agent approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for oral mucositis. The results showed that LiCl alleviated the weight loss and tongue ulceration of RIOM mice, promoted proliferation of basal epithelial cells, and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tongue mucosa. More important, elevated taste bud renewal and dysgeusia recovery toward sweetness were observed in RIOM mice treated with LiCl as compared to those treated by KGF. Collectively, our data demonstrate that LiCl can mitigate oral mucositis and rescue taste alteration induced by irradiation, and activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling may represent a promising therapy to improve the quality of life of patients receiving radiotherapy.

A catalog of associations between rare coding variants and COVID-19 outcomes

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), a respiratory illness that can result in hospitalization or death. We investigated associations between rare genetic variants and seven COVID-19 outcomes in 543,213 individuals, including 8,248 with COVID-19. After accounting for multiple testing, we did not identify any clear associations with rare variants either exome-wide or when specifically focusing on (i) 14 interferon pathway genes in which rare deleterious variants have been reported in severe COVID-19 patients; (ii) 167 genes located in COVID-19 GWAS risk loci; or (iii) 32 additional genes of immunologic relevance and/or therapeutic potential. Our analyses indicate there are no significant associations with rare protein-coding variants with detectable effect sizes at our current sample sizes. Analyses will be updated as additional data become available, with results publicly browsable at https://rgc-covid19.regeneron.com.

[Huangqin decoction alleviates ulcerative colitis by regulating ILC3s-TH cell response]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of Huangqin decoction (HQD) on group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) and helper T cells (Th) for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC).

OBJECTIVE

Male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into control group, DSS group, mesalazine group (ME, 400 mg/kg), and 2.275 g/kg, 4.55 g/kg and 9.1 g/kg HQD groups. All the mice were given free access to normal chow. Except for those in the normal control group, all the mice were given 3% DSS solution for 7 days to establish models of UC. The mice in ME group and 3 HQD groups were given mesalazine or HQD via oral gavage at the specified doses once a day. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the ILC3s, MHC Ⅱ, Th1 and Treg in the lamina propria lymphocytes in the colon. Milliplex was performed to determine cytokine levels of in the colon tissues.

OBJECTIVE

Compared with those in DSS group, the mice in the 3 HQD groups all showed obviously lessened symptoms of UC with significantl decreased DAI score (P < 0.001) and macroscopic score (P < 0.001). The results of flow cytometry showed that HQD treatment significantly increased the percentage of ILC3s (P < 0.05) and expression of MHCⅡ (P < 0.05), obviously reduced the proportion of Th1 (P < 0.05) but increased Treg cells (P < 0.05) in the colon tissues. Milliplex showed that HQD treatment significantly reduced the expressions of Th-related pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-2 (P < 0.05), IL-17A (P < 0.05), IL-23 (P < 0.05), TNF-α (P < 0.05), and IFN-γ (P < 0.05).

OBJECTIVE

HQD alleviates DSS- induced UC in mice by increasing ILC3s and MHC Ⅱ expression to suppress the function of Th17 and Th1 cells and promote Treg and Th2 cells.

PEAR1 rs12041331 polymorphisms and the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome and/or percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Platelet endothelial aggregation receptor-1 (PEAR1), expressed in endothelium, platelets, and other tissues, is a platelet transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor involved in platelet aggregation and platelet-platelet contact. The minor allele (A) in intron 1 of the PEAR1 gene (rs12041331, G&gt;A) is associated with an reduced PEAR1 protein expression and suppressed platelet aggregation response toward multiple agonists. But current evidences on the association between PEAR1 rs12041331 polymorphisms and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are discordant.

Purpose

To characterize and quantify the association between PEAR1 rs12041331 polymorphisms and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ACS and/or PCI.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SinoMed, CNKI, and Wanfang Data before Dec 7, 2019 to identify studies evaluating the association between PEAR1 rs12041331 polymorphisms and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ACS and/or PCI. The primary outcome was the major adverse cardiovascular outcomes (MACEs) defined by each study. We adopted the Mantel-Haenszel method to calculate the relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the corresponding P values using the random effect model. To assess the effect of ethnicity, we performed the subgroup analyses per ethnic population using the fix effect model.

Results

Among 542 citations identified along with 1 from additional sources, we included 4 studies, which documented 218 MACEs in 8180 patients. The A allele frequency in each study was comparable with that reported in the 1000 Genome Project, but varied among ethnic populations, that is 45.8% in East Asians, 46.5% in American Africans, and 9.2% in Caucasians, adopted from the 1000 Genome Project. A-allele carriers are associated with a 54% increase in MACEs than non-A-carriers (RR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.10–2.16; P=0.01) with a low but non-significant heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses showed that A-allele carriers tend to have more MACEs than non-A-allele carriers despite of ethnicity, that is 1.32-fold increase in East Asians (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.99–1.77; P=0.06), 2.43-fold in Caucasians (RR, 2.43; 95% CI, 0.99–5.98; P=0.05), and 3.56-fold (RR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.08–11.70; P=0.04) in American Africans.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that the PEAR1 rs12041331 is prognostic in patients with ACS and/or PCI and treated with DAPT, which might be not caused by the associations with pharmacological response to antiplatelet agents. Further investigations are thus required to address the unrevealing mechanisms of PEAR1, especially on the development of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of acute adverse ischemic events.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Obesity prevalence and risks among Chinese adults: findings from China PEACE Million Persons Project, 2014–2018

Background

With demographic and epidemiologic transitions, China has become home to the greatest number of obese individuals in the world. Effective policy intervention requires a contemporary assessment of obesity across broad socio-demographic subgroups.

Purpose

We aim to assess the prevalence of overall and abdominal obesity by socio-demographic characteristics and the associations of these characteristics with obesity in China.

Methods

Using the data of 2.7-million community-dwelling participants aged 35–75 years in the China PEACE Million Persons Project, a nationwide cross-sectional screening project from 2014 to 2018, we calculated the prevalence of overall and abdominal obesity based on national guideline definitions (body mass index ≥28 kg/m2, waist circumference ≥85/90 cm for women/men). We examined 12 available socio-demographic variables that are potentially associated with obesity, in addition to self-reported co-morbidities, and quantified the associations of these socio-demographic characteristics with obesity using multivariable mixed models.

Results

The prevalence of overall and abdominal obesity were 15.8% and 37.6% in women and 15.0% and 36.3% in men (Figure). Compared to individuals with normal weight, those with overall obesity had a higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes (in women: by 30.4, 16.1, and 6.0 percent points; in men, by 29.9, 31.2, and 5.8 percent points). A similar pattern was observed with abdominal obesity. In women, those aged 55–64 years constituted the largest age group with overall and abdominal obesity (33.7% and 35.0%), while in men, those aged 45–54 and 55–64 years constituted the largest age group with overall obesity (30.4%) and abdominal obesity (30.5%), respectively. Older women were at substantially higher risk for obesity (e.g., adjusted relative risk [95% CI] of women aged 65–75 vs. 35–44 years: 1.29 [1.27–1.31] for overall obesity and 1.76 [1.74–1.77] for abdominal obesity) while older men were not. Higher education was associated with lower risk in women (e.g., those with college or university education vs. less than primary school: 0.47 [0.46–0.48] for overall obesity and 0.61 [0.60–0.62] for abdominal obesity) but higher risk in men (1.07 [1.05–1.10] and 1.17 [1.16–1.19]). In both women and men, current smoking was associated with lower risk for obesity, and current drinking was associated with higher risk, but the magnitude of associations was smaller in women than men.

Conclusions

In China, over one in seven individuals meet criteria for overall obesity, and one in three for abdominal obesity. Wide variation exists across socio-demographic subgroups. The associations of age and education with obesity are significant and differ by sex. Understanding obesity in contemporary China has broad domestic policy implications and provides a valuable international reference.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): The National Key Research and Development Program from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Science

Plasma mtDNA copy numbers are associated with GSTK1 expression and inflammation in type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Glutathione S-transferase kappa 1 (GSTK1) is critical to maintain mitochondrial function and homeostasis. We aimed to investigate whether a potential link exists between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy numbers and inflammation, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and GSTK1 expression in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We assessed mtDNA copy numbers in plasma and GSTK1 expression in white blood cells in 123 people with type 2 diabetes and in 121 healthy controls using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). An automatic chemistry or immunoassay analyser was used to determine serum glucose, lipids and inflammatory markers. Multiple linear regression and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations and risks.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, individuals with diabetes showed higher mtDNA copy numbers (t = -3.938, P < 0.001) and lower GSTK1 expression (Z = -2.985, P = 0.002). mtDNA copy number was associated with type 2 diabetes risk [odds ratio (OR) = 1.80, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.25-2.58, P = 0.001] after controlling for confounding factors. In individuals with diabetes, mtDNA copy number was negatively associated with GSTK1 expression (β = -0.235, P = 0.036) and positively associated with serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (β = 0.839, P < 0.001), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (β = 0.549, P < 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (β = 0.589, P = 0.006) and NEFA (β = 0.001, P = 0.020). In the diabetic group, individuals with an abnormal increase in NEFA, hsCRP, TNF-α and IL-6 showed significantly elevated mtDNA copy numbers (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

mtDNA copy numbers in plasma might have an important role in the progression of diabetic chronic inflammation via inhibition of GSTK1 and could be a potential biomarker for type 2 diabetes.

Enhancement of tendon-bone healing after rotator cuff injuries using combined therapy with mesenchymal stem cells and platelet rich plasma

OBJECTIVE

The injuries of rotator cuff will cause the shoulder dysfunctions. Due to limited self-regeneration abilities of the tendon-bone part, rotator cuff injuries remain a clinical challenge. Previous studies have proposed many strategies for treating this disease. In this work, we aimed to combine different strategies to achieve better beneficial effects on tendon-bone repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We isolated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and tested the effects of PRP on the gene expression, cell death resistance, and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Then, we utilized multiple strategies to treat rotator cuff injuries. We evaluated the expression of genes that related to tissue repair, bone formation, and tendon regeneration. We also tested the biomechanical property of repair tissues.

RESULTS

We found that the in-vitro co-culture with PRP endowed MSCs with enhanced production of growth factors, better osteogenic differentiation ability, and stronger ability to resist cell death. Next, we applied MSCs, PRP, and MSCs-PRP combined therapies in rat rotator cuff injury model to compare their therapeutic effects in vivo. Through biomechanical testing, we found that the combined therapy was most efficient to promote tissue regeneration and enhance the biomechanical property of the newly generated bone.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined treatment induced strongest signals related to angiogenesis, bone formation, and tendon generation in-situ. We demonstrated that the combination of MSCs and PRP synergistically promotes tendon-bone healing and holds great promise for the treatment of rotator cuff injuries.

A bistable [2]catenane switched by hetero-radical pairing interactions

A bistable [2]catenane composed of a tetracationic cyclophane, namely cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT⁴⁺) that is mechanically interlocked by a neutral macrocylic component containing both a 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP) and a naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide) (NDI) unit, was obtained by using template-directed synthesis via click chemistry. In the fully oxidized state, the CBPQT⁴⁺ component encircles the DNP unit, driven by donor-acceptor interactions. Upon reduction of both the CBPQT⁴⁺ ring and the NDI unit, the CBPQT²⁽˙⁺⁾ ring undergoes shuttling and resides on the NDI˙^- station, driven by coulombic-enhanced spin-pairing interactions between different aromatic radicals.

Changes in the hepatitis B surface antibody in childhood acute lymphocytic leukaemia survivors after treatment with the CCLG-ALL 2008 protocol

Antibody levels after hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination may be affected by suppression of the immune system due to cancer therapy. As such, childhood acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) survivors are at risk of HBV infection due to immunosuppression secondary to chemotherapy. However, the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb)-seropositive rate of childhood ALL survivors after chemotherapy is unknown, and the need to revaccinate HBsAb-seronegative ALL survivors is not appreciated in China. To assess the changes in HBsAb before and after chemotherapy, we retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 547 patients treated with the Chinese Children Leukaemia Group (CCLG)-ALL 2008 protocol from 1 April 2008 to 30 August 2019. The results revealed that 416 patients (76·1%) were HBsAb-seropositive at diagnosis, and at the time of the cessation of chemotherapy, 177 patients (32·4%) were HBsAb-seropositive and 370 patients (67·6%) were HBsAb-seronegative. Interestingly, 11 patients who were HBsAb-seronegative at diagnosis converted to seropositive at the time of the cessation of chemotherapy. HBsAb titres were decreased after chemotherapy (P < 0·0001). Further, patients with higher HBsAb titres at diagnosis were more likely to maintain protective antibody titres at the completion of chemotherapy (P < 0·0001). The loss of antibody was more remarkable in younger patients (≤ 10 years) both at diagnosis (P = 0·009) and at the completion of chemotherapy (P = 0·006). In summary, this study showed that 67·6% of patients were HBsAb-seronegative at the time of the cessation of chemotherapy, which indicates that ALL survivors are at high risk of HBV. As a result, HBV revaccination after chemotherapy should be highly valued in ALL survivors.

Meta-analysis of the effects of helmet-assisted non-invasive ventilation in the treatment of acute respiratory failure

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of helmet-assisted non-invasive ventilation and conventional ventilation in the treatment of acute respiratory failure (ARF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and CNKI databases were searched for randomized controlled trials and case-control trials of helmet-assisted noninvasive ventilation in the treatment of ARF. The outcome measures included respiratory rate, intubation rate, complication rate, mortality rate and arterial blood gas analysis of the commonly used indicators (PaCO2/ PaO2 / pH). The results of the included studies' odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidential interval (CI) were analyzed using Stata software.

RESULTS

The results of the analysis showed that the in-hospital mortality, intubation rate and complication rate were all significantly decreased with the p-value less than 0.05, which was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Helmet-assisted noninvasive ventilation can significantly reduce hospital mortality, intubation rate and complication rate, improving the survival rate and prognosis of patients with ARF.

[Protective effect of recombinant adult serine protease inhibitor from Trichinella spiralis on sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of recombinant adult serine protease inhibitor from Trichinella spiralis (TsadSPI) on sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in mice.

METHODS

A total of 18 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, and the TsadSPI treatment group, of 6 mice in each group. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury was modeled in the model group and TsadSPI treatment group by cecal ligation puncture (CLP), while mice in the sham-operation group were only given exploratory laparotomy without ligation or perforation of the cecum. After 30 min of CLP, mice in the sham-operation group and the model group were intraperitoneally injected with PBS (100 μL), and mice in the TsadSPI treatment group were intraperitoneally injected with PBS (100 μL) containing TsadSPI (2 μg). At 12 h following modeling, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured to assess the liver and kidney functions, and the changes of the mouse kidney structure were observed using HE staining. In addition, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65 expression was determined in kidney tissues using immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

At 12 h following CLP, there were significant differences in the serum levels of ALT (F = 41.031, P < 0.001), AST (F = 54.757, P < 0.001), Cr (F = 24.142, P < 0.001) and BUN (F = 214.849, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and higher levels of ALT, AST, Cr and BUN were measured in model group than in the sham-operation group (P < 0.001), while lower ALT, AST, Cr and BUN levels were found in the TsadSPI treatment group than in the model group (P < 0.001). HE staining showed severe mouse kidney injuries following CLP, and TsadSPI treatment resulted in remarkable alleviation of the injury. ELISA measured significant differences in the TNF-α (F = 47.502, P < 0.001) and IL-6 levels (F = 222.061, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and showed a remarkable reduction in the TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the TsadSPI treatment group as compared to those in the model group (P < 0.001). In addition, there were significant differences in serum IL-10 (F = 16.227, P < 0.001) and TGF-β levels (F = 52.092, P < 0.001) among the three groups, and higher IL-10 and TGF-β levels were seen in the TsadSPI treatment group than in the model group (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining showed greater MyD88 expression and a higher nuclear positive rate of NF-κB p65 in kidney tissues in the model group than in the TsadSPI treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

TsadSPI may reduce the MyD88 expression and nuclear positive rate of NF-κB p65 in mouse kidney tissues to up-regulate the expression of immunomodulatory factors and down-regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby protecting sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

An Ultraviolet Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence OLED with Total External Quantum Efficiency over 9

Owing to the difficulty in acquiring compounds with combined high energy bandgaps and lower-lying intramolecular charge-transfer excited states, the development of ultraviolet (UV) thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials is quite challenging. Herein, through interlocking of the diphenylsulfone (PS) acceptor unit of a reported deep-blue TADF emitter (CZ-PS) by a dimethylmethylene bridge, CZ-MPS, a UV-emissive TADF compound bearing a shallower LUMO energy level and a more rigid structure than those of CZ-PS is achieved. This represents the first example of a UV-emissive TADF compound. Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) using CZ-MPS as the guest material can emit efficient UV light with emission maximum of 389 nm and maximum total external quantum efficiency (EQE_max ) of 9.3%. Note that this EQE_max value is twice as high as the current record EQE_max (4.6%) for UV-OLEDs. This finding may shed light on the molecular design strategy for high-performance UV-OLED materials.

[A multicenter randomized prospective study of concurrent chemoradiation with 60 Gy versus 50 Gy for inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To determine whether 60 Gy is superior to standard 50 Gy for definitive concurrent chemoradiation(CCRT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using modern radiation technology in a phase Ⅲ prospective randomized trial. Methods: From April 2013 to May 2017, 331 patients from 22 hospitals who were pathologically confirmed with stage ⅢA-ⅣA ESCC were randomized to 60 Gy or 50 Gy with random number table. Total of 305 patients were analyzed, including 152 in 60 Gy group and 153 in 50 Gy group. The median age was 63 years, 242(79.3%) males and 63(20.7%) females. The median length of primary tumor was 5.6 cm. The clinical characteristics between two groups were comparable. All patients were delivered 2 Gy per fraction, 5 fractions per week. Concurrent weekly chemotherapy with docetaxel (25 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (25 mg/m(2)) and 2 cycles consolidation chemotherapy with docetaxel (70 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (25 mg/m(2), d1-3) were administrated. The primary endpoint was local/regional progression-free survival (LRPFS). The data were compared with Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results: At a median follow-up of 27.3 months, the disease progression rate was 37.5% (57/152), 43.8% (67/153) in the high and standard-dose group, respectively (χ(2)=1.251, P=0.263). The 1, 2, 3-year LRPFS rate was 75.4%, 56.8%, 52.1% and 74.2%, 58.4%, 50.1%, respectively (HR: 0.95, 95%CI: 0.69-1.31, P=0.761). The 1, 2, 3-year overall survival rate was 84.1%, 64.8%, 54.1% and 85.4%, 62.9%, 54.0%, respectively (HR: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.71-1.38, P=0.927). The 1, 2, 3-year progression-free survival rate was 70.8%, 54.2%, 48.5% and 65.5%, 51.9%, 45.1%, respectively (HR: 0.93, 95%CI: 0.68-1.26, P=0.621). The incidence rates in toxicities between the two groups were similar except for higher rate of severe pneumonitis in high dose group (χ(2)=11.596, P=0.021). Conclusions: The efficacy in disease control is similar between 60 Gy and 50 Gy using modern radiation technology concurrent with chemotherapy for ESCC. The 50 Gy should be recommended as the regular radiation dose with CCRT for ESCC.

SAT0017 METABOLIC CHANGES INDUCED BY ANTI-MALONDIALDEHYDE/MALINDIALDEHYDE-ACETALDEHYDE ANTIBODIES PROMOTE OSTEOCLAST DEVELOPMENT

Background:

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a highly reactive compound produced by lipid-peroxidation in situations associated with oxidative stress. MDA can irreversibly modify proteins residues such as lysine, arginine and histidine. In addition, MDA adducts can further react with acetaldehyde to generate malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) modifications. Such modifications can give rise to immunogenic neo-epitopes that are recognized by autoantibodies. In fact, anti-MDA/MAA IgG antibodies are significantly increased in the serum of patients with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (1) and systemic lupus erythematosus (2). Recently, we have shown that anti-MDA/MAA IgG antibodies are able to promote osteoclast (OC) differentiationin vitro(1).

Objectives:

To investigate the molecular mechanisms triggered by anti-MDA/MAA autoantibodies during osteoclastogenesis.

Methods:

OCs were generated from monocyte-derived macrophages in the presence of the cytokines RANK-L and M-CSF. The development of OCs was monitored by light microscopy following tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and erosion area on synthetic calcium phosphate-coated plates. Three different recombinant human monoclonal anti-MDA/MAA antibodies, cloned from single synovial B cells of RA patients, control antibodies and Fab fragments of the antibodies were added to OC cultures. Glycolysis was inhibited by 2-deoxyglucose, and Fc-gamma receptor I or II by anti-CD64 or anti-CD16 neutralizing antibodies. IL-8 levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Cellular metabolism was monitored using Seahorse XF Analyzer (extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption) and a colorimetric L-Lactate assay.

Results:

Lactic acid production correlated with the osteoclastogenetic effect of some but not all anti-MDA/MAA antibodies on OCs (R=0.4758, p=0.0252) suggesting an antibody-mediated regulation of glycolysis. Further, extracellular acidification (ECAR) and oxygen consumption (OCR) rate of the developing OCs were increased by the osteoclastogenic anti-MDA/MAA clones (maximum increase of 54% for the ECAR and 78% for the OCR by clone 146+:01G07, and maximum increase of 28% for the ECAR and 39% for the OCR by clone 1103:01H05), but not by the non-osteoclastogenetic anti-MDA/MAA clones or control antibodies. The glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose completely abolished the osteoclastogenetic effect of the anti-MDA/MAA clones at drug concentrations that did not influenced baseline OC development. Fab2 fragments of the osteocalstogenetic anti-MDA/MAA clones had no effect on OC development and metabolism. In accordance with this, Fc-gamma receptor I neutralizing antibodies completely abolished the osteocalstogenetic effect of the anti-MDA/MAA clones. The osteoclastogenetic effect of the anti-MDA/MAA antibodies was independent of IL-8 production. In contrast to anti MDA/MAA antibodies, ACPA-mediated osteoclastogenesis was independent of glycolysis and Fc-gamma receptors but dependent on IL-8.

Conclusion:

Our results describe a novel glycolysis-dependent mechanism by which anti-MDA/MAA antibodies promote osteoclast development that is different from the one previously described for ACPA.

References:

[1] C. Grönwall et al. Journal of Autoimmunity 84 (2017) 29-45.

[2] C. Wang et al. Arthritis and Rheumatism 62 (2010) 2064-2072

Disclosure of Interests:

Koji Sakuraba: None declared, Akilan Krishnamurthy: None declared, Alexandra Circiumaru: None declared, Meng Sun: None declared, Vijay Joshua: None declared, Marianne Engström: None declared, Xiaowei Zheng: None declared, Cheng Xu: None declared, Khaled Amara: None declared, Vivianne Malmström Grant/research support from: VM has had research grants from Janssen Pharmaceutica, Sergiu-Bogdan Catrina: None declared, Caroline Grönwall: None declared, Bence Réthi: None declared, Anca Catrina: None declared

THU0228 PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF LEFLUNOMIDE ON THE SALIVARY SECRETION OF SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND IN THE NOD MOUSE

Background:

A study of 15 PSS patients showed that leflunomide had no significant effect on the decrease of salivary flow rate and the formation of lymphocytic infiltrates in salivary glands[1]. However, due to the small number of samples included in this study and the small size of human salivary gland biopsies, the therapeutic effect of leflunomide may be underestimated. At present, there is no further study on this issue, the effect of leflunomide on Sjogren’s syndrome is still not clear.

Objectives:

To investigate the therapeutic effect of leflunomide on salivary gland secretion dysfunction in the NOD mice with Sjogren’s syndrome.

Methods:

The NOD mice were randomly divided into four groups: preventive drug group, preventive control group, therapeutic drug group, and therapeutic control group. Salivary flow rate was measured after pilocarpine stimulation; After hematoxylin and eosin staining, the average number and area of infiltrating lesions were compared; The percentage of CD3+T, CD4+T, CD8+T, CD44+CD62L-CD4+T, CD19+B, and CD138+B cells in submandibular gland and spleen were detected by flow cytometry; The levels of serum inflammatory factors TNF-a, IL-17A and IL-6 were detected by CBA method.

Results:

The salivary flow rate (t = -5.81, P<0.001; z =-3.61,P<0.05), the number of infiltrating foci(t=3.95,P<0.01; t=4.94,P<0.001)and the average area of infiltrating foci(t=3.18.61,P<0.05; z=2.35,P<0.05)in the treatment groups were significantly ameliorated. CD4+T cells(t=2.39 P<0.05; t´=3.82 P<0.01)and CD44+CD62L-CD4+T cells(t´=3.53,P<0.05; t´=3.36,P<0.05)in the submandibular gland were significantly decreased. CD3+T(t=6.08, P<0.001; t=2.76,P<0.05),CD4+T(t´=3.73,P<0.05; t=2.39, P<0.05), CD19+B(t=5.88,P<0.001; t´=4.23, P<0.01) and CD138+B (t=4.30, P<0.001; t=4.46, P<0.01) cells in the spleen were also significantly decreased. In addition, the serum IL-17A of the treatment group reduced to lower level(t=4.15,p<0.01;t=3.36,p<0.01),and the TNF-a level of the preventive drug group decreased(t=4.56; p<0.001).

Figure 1.

Leflunomide reduced lymphocyte infiltration and improved salivary gland function in NOD mice. A-D: Histology of the submandibular glands of NOD mice in control and treated groups. E-H: The comparison of the submandibular gland index, salivary flow rate, number of infiltrating foci and average area of the submandibular gland, between the control and treated groups. (mean±SD; n=7 per group; * P<0.05, ** P<0.01, *** P<0.001).

Figure 2.

Changes of lymphocyte subsets in submandibular gland and spleen A-L: Frequencies of CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD44+ CD62L-CD4+T cells, CD19+ T cells and CD138+ B cells in the SMG tissues and the spleen collected from treated group and control group. (mean±SD; n=7 per group; * P<0.05, ** P<0.01, *** P<0.001).

Figure 3.

The proinflammatory cytokine levels of TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-6 in the serum samples from the treated and control group. (mean±SD; n=7 per group; * P<0.05, ** P<0.01, *** P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Leflunomide may prevent and improve salivary gland hypofunction and inhibit immune activation in NOD mice, providing a theoretical basis for evaluating leflunomide in the treatment of Sjogren’s syndrome.

References:

[1]Van Woerkom JM, Kruize A A, Geenen R, et al. Safety and efficacy of leflunomide in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a phase II pilot study [J]. Ann. Rheum. Dis, 2007, 66(8): 1026-32.

DOI:10.1136/ard.2006.060905.

Acknowledgments :

The authors thank the Center for Scientific Research of Anhui Medical University for valuable help in our experiment.

Disclosure of Interests: :

None declared

THU0242 REGULATORY ROLE OF TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR BLIMP-1 IN SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME

Background:

The pathogenesis of primary sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is multifactorial. Self-antigen-driven responses perform a vital function in the development of autoimmune diseases [1]. B cells, only 20-25% of total infiltrating cells in labial glands, are the cellular basis for spontaneous antibody production [2].Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified Blimp-1 as a susceptibility gene for autoimmune diseases and played an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases [3].

Objectives:

To investigate the expression and effect of B lymphocyte induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp-1) in pSS and the correlation of Blimp-1 with B cell subsets and clinical features.

Methods:

The PRDM1 mRNA expression in B lymphocyte and labial gland were examined by RT-PCR. The levels of B cell subsets were examined by flow cytometry. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to examine the invasion degree of lymph cell and Blimp-1 distribution, respectively. The correlation of PRDM1 mRNA with B cell subsets and clinical indicators were also analyzed.

Results:

The levels of PRDM1 mRNA expression of B cells were significantly higher in SS than in healthy controls (HC) and which were also significantly higher in the high immunoglobulin (Ig) group than that in normal Ig group (P<0.02, Fig. 1a-b). The number of CD19+B cells and CD138+ plasma cells(PC) have increased while the CD27+ cells decreased in SS(P<0.05). The percentage of PC and PC/B is positively correlated with PRDM1 mRNA(r=0.380,P=0.002;r=0.317,P=0.009, Fig. 1c-d). Blimp-1 expression level showed a positive correlation with invasion degree of lymph cell in histology (Fig. 2a-c), Ig levels and ESSDAI score and an inverse correlation with the glucocorticoids usage (Fig. 3c).

Fig. 1

(a-b) RT-PCR showed that PRDM1 mRNA expression in SS patients and HC. (c-d) Correlation between PRDM1 mRNA expression and PC and PC/B.

Fig. 2

(a) Expression of Blimp-1 in labial glands of sjögren’s syndrome. (b) PRDM1 mRNA levels in different invasion degree of lymph cell group. (c) Correlation between PRDM1 mRNA expression and invasion degree of lymph cell. *p<0.05, ***p<0.001.

Fig. 3

(a-b) RT-PCR showed that PRDM1 mRNA expression in different usage of glucocorticoids. (c) Correlation between PRDM1 mRNA expression and different glucocorticoid usage. **p<0.01, ***p<0.001.

Conclusion:

Blimp-1 displayed high expression in SS, which could affect pSS disease activity. SS activity is suppressed by glucocorticoid which might be through inhibition of Blimp-1.

References:

[1]Kapsogeorgou EK, Abu-Helu RF, Moutsopoulos HM, Manoussakis MN (2005) Salivary gland epithelial cell exosomes: A source of autoantigenic ribonucleoproteins. Arthritis Rheum 52(5):1517-21.https://doi.org/10.1002/art.21005

[2]Arneth BM (2019) Impact of B cells to the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis. J Neuroinflammation 16(1):128.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-019-1517-1

[3]Bönelt P, Wöhner M, Minnich M et al (2019) Precocious expression of Blimp-1 in B cells causes autoimmune disease with increased self-reactive plasma cells. EMBO J 38(2). pii:e100010.https://doi.org/10.15252/embj.2018100010

Table 1.

Clinical characteristics of pSS and HC.

HC(n=17)pSS(n=50)Sex (Male/Female)0/170/50Age(x±s)45.24±18.5546.8±11.05Xerostomia(positive/negative)0/1743/7Keratoconjunctivitis sicca0/1735/15Arthralgia0/1732/18Fatigue0/1718/32ESSDAI(x±s)-2.78±1.61 (0~7)ESSPRI(x±s)-3.3±1.39 (1~6)ANA(positive/negative)-49/1SSA-49/1SSB-18/32

pSS: primary sjögren ‘s syndrome; HC: Healthy controls; ESSDAI: The European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index; ESSPRI: EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index.** P<0.01,*** P<0.001.

Acknowledgments :

This study was supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81871271).

Disclosure of Interests: :

None declared

AB0043 THE IMBALANCE OF T FOLLICULAR REGULATORY CELL AND T FOLLICULAR HELPER CELL IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease which can lead to severe joint damage and disability.The relationship between antibodies and rheumatoid arthritis has long been well established. Recently, many studies have found that T follicular regulatory cells(Tfr) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh) are closely related to antibody generation on lymphoid follicular germinal centers (GCs)[1-2]. Tfr cells can inhibite the GC reaction and suppress production of high-affinity antibodies. The dysregulation of Tfh cells can lead to the production of autoantibodies by B cells.

Objectives:

To examine the expression of circulating T follicular regulatory cell (Tfr) and T follicular helper cell and its subsets(Tfh1 Tfh2 Tfh17) in RA patients and healthy control group.

Methods:

Level of Tfr and Tfh1,Tfh2 and Tfh17 cells in the peripheral blood of 17 new RA patients, 30 treated RA patients and 18 healthy controls were deceted by flow cytomery. All patients were hospitalised at the Department of Rheumatology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University.

Results:

We found that the level of Tfr (CD3+CD4+CD25+CXCR5+FOP3+) percent(P=0.020), in the peripheral blood in RA patients were significantly decreased compared with healthy controls. The percent of Tfh (CD3+CD4+CXCR5+CD45RA-) (P=0.039)and Tfh17 (CD3+CD4+CXCR5+CD45RA-CXCR3-CCR6+) (P=0.000)were increased, but there are no statistical difference about Tfh1(CD3+CD4+CXCR5+CD45RA-CXCR3+CCR6-)(P=0.558) and Tfh2 (CD3+CD4+CXCR5+CD45RA-CXCR3-CCR6-) percent(P=0.079). We compared the above indicators between new and treated RA patients, and the results indicated that the Tfr(P=0.013),Tfh (P=0.002) and Tfh1(P=0.034) were significantly increased in the new RA patients compared to the treated RA patients, there were no differences between the two groups in Tfh2(P=0.419) and Tfh17 percent(P=0.124).

Conclusion:

Our results indicated that disorder of Tfr and Tfh subsets were involved in RA, restoring the Tfr/Tfh balance may be the potential therapeutic targets.

Fig. 1.

Comparison of Tfr, Tfh and its subsets(Tfh1 Tfh2 Tfh17) percent among the RA patients (n = 47) and healthy control group (n = 18) (*P < 0.05).

Fig. 2.

Comparison of Tfr,Tfh and its subsets(Tfh1 Tfh2 Tfh17) percent among the new RA patients (n = 17) and treated RA patients(n = 30) (*P < 0.05).

References:

[1]Deng J, Wei Y, Fonseca VR, Graca L, Yu D.T follicular helper cells and T follicular regulatory cells in rheumatic diseases[J].Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2019, 15(8):475-490.

[2]Chen Liu, Dongwei Wang, Songsong Lu, et al.Increased Circulating Follicular Treg Cells Are Associated With Lower Levels of Autoantibodies in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Stable Remission.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2018, 70(5):711-721

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0630 IMBALANCE BETWEEN Th17 AND REGULATORY T CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH PM/DM COMBINED WITH EBV/CMV VIRAEMIA

Background:

Dermatomyositis and polymyositis (DM/PM) are associated with muscle weakness and inflammatory infiltration within the skeletal muscle. The numerical and functional defects of immune cells, due to long-term uses of glucocorticoids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) together with immune disturbances associated with disease itself, lead to high risks in opportunistic infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV).1-2We want to observe changes of peripheral lymphcytessubsets in PM/DM patients with EBV and/or CMV infection,especially whether there is imblance between Th17 and Treg cells.

Objectives:

To investigate the characteristics of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in PM/DM with EBV and/or CMV infection, especially the Th17 and Treg cells.

Methods:

From February 2016 to November 2019, PM/DM patients with EBV and/or CMV viremia (infection group, n=34) and without infection (non-infection group, n=31) as well as healthy adult controls (n=20) were enrolled in our study. Absolute numbers of total T, total B, NK, CD4 + T, CD8 + T cells, and CD4 + T subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells) in peripheral blood by flow cytometry combined with standard absolute counting beads.

Results:

(1) Compared with PM/DM patients without infection, 34 PM/DM patients with EBV and/or CMV infection, including 12 patients with EBV, 20 patients with CMV, 2 patients combined EBV and CMV, the absolute number of total T lymph cells (P=0.019), total B lymph cells (P=0.037), NK cells (P=0.033), CD4 + T cells (P=0.000), Th1 cells (P=0.014), Th2 cells (P=0.003), Th17 cells (P=0.003), Treg cells (P=0.004) lower than its of (P=0.003) patients without infection, the absolute number of CD8 + T cells (P=0.427) has no obvious difference between them.

(2) And its the absolute number of total T lymph cells (P=0.000), total B lymph cells (P=0.003), NK cells (P=0.000), CD4 + T cells (P=0.000), CD8 + T cells (P=0.006), Th1 cells (P=0.000), Th2 cells (P=0.001), Th17 cells (P=0.000) and Treg cells (P=0.000) significantly lower than healthy control.

(3) Compared with the healthy control,the absolute number of total T lymph cells (P=0.000), NK cells (P=0.000), CD4 + T cells (P=0.031), CD8 + T cells (P=0.000), Th1 cells (P=0.002), Th2 cells (P=0.031), and Treg cells (P=0.000) in PM/DM without infection evidently lower, but there is no siginificant difference in absolute number of total B lymph cells (P=0.19) and Th17 cells (P=0.171).

Conclusion:

We show that the absolute number of peripheral blood lymphocytes and CD4+T subsets in patients with PM/DM with EBV and/or CMV viremia is further reduced. In addition to Treg cells, a decrease in Th17 cells may also be an important feature of EBV and/or CMV infection in DM/PM. These cell reductions may be the cause and risk indicator of viral infections.

References:

[1]Yang X, Hao Y, Zhang X, et al. Mortality of Chinese patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Clin Rheumatol. 2020 Jan 4. doi: 10.1007/s10067-019-04910-w. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 31902027

[2]Matsushita T,Kobayashi T, Kano M, et al. Elevated serum B-cell activating factor levels in patients with dermatomyositis: Association with interstitial lung disease. J Dermatol.2019:46:1190-6. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.15117

Figure.

Absolute numbers of peripheral lymphocyte subsets between healthy controls and patients were assessed by fow cytometry using oneplatform method. PM/DM infection group (n=34), PM/DM non- infection group(n=31)and healthy control group (n = 20).(*p<0.05, **p<0.01, ***p<0.001)

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Effects of laying breeder hens dietary β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate supplementation on the jejunal microbiota and immune response of their offspring chicks

Our long-term goal is to improve chick health and reduce the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry via maternal effects. To link jejunal microbes with chicks' different immune levels and growth performance in our previous research, this study investigated jejunal microbes, jejunal inflammation, and immune responses based on a comparison between different groups. Newly hatched Hy-Line chicks were allotted into 3 groups: a chick control group (cCON), a ciprofloxacin lactate treatment group (Cipro)—the chicks of the cCON and Cipro groups were hatched from laying breeder hens given a basal diet—and a 5-wk β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate supplementation group (cCCAB), wherein chicks hatched from laying breeder hens. All groups were fed the same diet for 4 wk; the Cipro group was given ciprofloxacin lactate in drinking water continuously. At the end of the experiment, the results demonstrated that the jejunal microbes of the Cipro group showed significant changes in alpha and beta diversity, and in taxonomy at phylum and genus levels. Statistically, a total of 67 significantly enriched (P < 0.05) taxa were identified between groups by linear discriminant analysis effect size; Firmicutes was significantly enriched (P < 0.05) in the cCCAB group, 65 taxa were significantly enriched (P < 0.05) in the Cipro group, and 32 of the 65 enriched (P < 0.05) taxa were in the Proteobacteria phylum of the Cipro group. Levels of lipopolysaccharide in jejunal content, and nuclear factor kappa-B, and tumor necrosis factor-α in jejunums of the Cipro and cCCAB groups were increased (all P < 0.05) compared to those in the cCON group. There was obvious neutrophil infiltration and upregulated (all P < 0.05) IL-6 mRNA in the Cipro group jejunums compared to the cCON and cCCAB groups. The expression of PSME3 and PSME4 genes was upregulated (all P < 0.05) in the cCCAB group compared to the cCON and Cipro groups. In conclusion, ciprofloxacin lactate administration led to potential hazards in health and growth in chicks via microbial disturbances-induced jejunal inflammation, and laying breeder hens dietary supplementation with β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate could enhance jejunal immunity of their offspring via the interaction between host innate immunity selected microbial colonization and microbiota educated adaptive immunity.

[Status on the use of anti-hypertensive drugs in the southwest areas of China]

Objective: To understand the current status of anti-hypertensive drug use in patients with hypertension in the Southwest areas of China. Methods: Based on the Program of Screening and Intervention Subjects with High Risk Cardiovascular Diseases, this study presented information on adults aged 35-75 in Southwest China by convenient sampling method, from January 2016 to November 2018. Basic information and cardiovascular related data were collected. Data on hypertensive patients were recorded, including names, doses and frequency of anti-hypertensive drugs they used. Information on the use of anti-hypertensive drugs among different hypertension subgroups, potential related characteristics, types and combination patterns of drugs, etc., were analyzed. Results: A total of 394 957 subjects were included in the study, with 159 014 identified as being hypertensive [mean age (58.8±9.5) years, 40.2% male]. 29.8% of them ever received antihypertensive drugs. A total of 30 445 of the patients reported detailed information of the drugs they ever used and 22.5% of them received therapy of combined drugs. Rates of using combination therapy were consistent among subgroups with different age, gender, blood pressure level and history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Results from the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients with previous cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, obesity or diabetes were more likely to have received combined therapy, while patients with less education or lower income were in the opposite. Calcium antagonists (58.6%) were the main drugs being used in single drug therapy, while traditional fixed-dose combination drugs (31.4%) were the most common ones in the drug-combination therapy, followed by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker combined with calcium antagonists (22.4%). Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker combined with beta blocker was the main drug used in patients with coronary heart disease. Conclusions: Treatment programs using the antihypertensive drugs for hypertensive patients in Southwest China needs to be improved, since the irrational use of antihypertensive drugs still exists. However, we would encourage the use of combination therapy for hypertensive patients.

Achieving 21% External Quantum Efficiency for Nondoped Solution-Processed Sky-Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence OLEDs by Means of Multi-(Donor/Acceptor) Emitter with Through-Space/-Bond Charge Transfer

Although numerous thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been demonstrated, efficient blue or even sky-blue TADF-based nondoped solution-processed devices are still very rare. Herein, through-space charge transfer (TSCT) and through-bond charge transfer (TBCT) effects are skillfully incorporated, as well as the multi-(donor/acceptor) characteristic, into one molecule. The former allows this material to show small singlet-triplet energy splitting (ΔE ST) and a high transition dipole moment. The latter, on the one hand, further lights up multichannel reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) to increase triplet exciton utilization via degenerating molecular orbitals. On the other hand, the nature of the molecular twisted structure effectively suppresses intermolecular packing to obtain high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) in neat flims. Consequently, using this design strategy, T-CNDF-T-tCz containing three donor and three acceptor units, successfully realizes a small ΔE ST (≈0.03 eV) and a high PLQY (≈0.76) at the same time; hence the nondoped solution-processed sky-blue TADF-OLED displays record-breaking efficiency among the solution process-based nondoped sky-blue OLEDs, with high brightness over 5200 cd m-2 and external quantum efficiency up to 21.0%.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Induces Insulin Resistance by Increasing BCAA Levels in Mice

Insulin resistance is one of the critical pathogeneses of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Elevated levels of plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are associated with insulin resistance. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the development of insulin resistance. However, the mechanisms by which P. gingivalis induces insulin resistance are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether P. gingivalis induces insulin resistance through BCAA biosynthesis. We established a murine model of periodontitis by infecting mice with P. gingivalis. Alveolar bone loss, insulin sensitivity, and the plasma level of BCAAs were measured. A P. gingivalis BCAA aminotransferase-deficient strain (∆bcat) was constructed, and its kinetic growth, biofilm formation, and in vivo colonization were compared with its wild-type strain. Alveolar bone loss, insulin sensitivity, and the plasma level of BCAAs of the mice infected with either wild-type strain or ∆bcat strain were further measured. We found that periodontal infection with P. gingivalis significantly upregulated the plasma level of BCAAs and aggravated the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance. Bcat deletion did not alter the growth, biofilm formation, and in vivo colonization of P. gingivalis. More important, the ∆bcat strain was unable to upregulate the plasma level of BCAAs and induce insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice. These findings suggest that the BCAA biosynthesis of P. gingivalis plays a critical role in the development of insulin resistance in the HFD-fed mice. The BCAA biosynthesis pathways may provide a potential target for the disruption of linkage between periodontitis and T2DM.

Localized Nanoresonator Mode in Plasmonic Microcavities

Submicron-thick hexagonal boron nitride crystals embedded in noble metals form planar Fabry-Perot half-microcavities. Depositing Au nanoparticles on top of these microcavities forms previously unidentified angle- and polarization-sensitive nanoresonator modes that are tightly laterally confined by the nanoparticle. Comparing dark-field scattering with reflection spectroscopies shows plasmonic and Fabry-Perot-like enhancements magnify subtle interference contributions, which lead to unexpected redshifts in the dark-field spectra, explained by the presence of these new modes.

Palmatine alleviates hyperalgesia by inhibiting the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the trigeminal ganglion of rats with chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve

Trigeminal neuralgia is one of the most common of the neuropathic pains, and it can seriously influence patients' quality of life. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a type of nociceptive neurotransmitter that is expressed in neurons of the trigeminal ganglion and plays a major part in transmitting pain. The rat model of trigeminal neuralgia was established by causing a chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=24) were randomly divided into a sham control group (sham, n=6), sham-treated with palmatine group (sham+palmatine, n=6), trigeminal nerve model group (TN, n=6), and trigeminal nerve treated with palmatine group (TN+palmatine, n=6). Fifteen days after the operation the mechanical response threshold was decreased in the TN group compared with the sham group. From postoperative day 7 to day 15, the mechanical response threshold in the TN+palmatine group significantly increased compared with the TN group. On postoperative day 15 the results of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting showed an obvious increase in expression of CGRP and its receptors, serum concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC) in the trigeminal ganglia of the TN group compared with the sham group, but these increases could be down-regulated by treatment with palmatine. Palmatine might therefore have therapeutic potential for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia by inhibiting the expression of CGRP and its receptors in trigeminal ganglia, suppressing the serum concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α, and decreasing the phosphorylation of PKC in the trigeminal ganglia of affected rats.

Effects of laying breeder hens dietary β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, and jejunum morphology of their offspring chicks

This study evaluated the growth performance, immunity, and jejunum morphology of chicks hatched from laying breeder hens given dietary additive supplementation, as well as chicks receiving direct antibiotic supplementation in early life. Hy-line breeder hens were allotted to 2 groups with 3 replicates. A control group (CON) was fed a basal diet, and the treatment group (CCAB) received β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate in addition to basal diet for 5 wk. Breeder-hen eggs were collected and hatched. The chicks hatched from the CON group were assigned to 2 treatments: a chick control group (cCON) and a chick treatment group (Cipro) given ciprofloxacin lactate into drinking water; the cCON group, Cipro group, and the chicks hatched from the CCAB group (cCCAB) were fed the same diet for 4 wk. The results demonstrated that there were significant differences between the CON and CCAB groups in the serum levels of IgA, IgG, IgM (triple P < 0.01), lysozyme (P < 0.05), and β-defensin (P < 0.05). The body weights of the cCCAB group's chicks increased at 1, 7, and 28 D of age (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively), and those of the Cipro group's chicks increased at 7 and 21 D of age (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The tibial lengths of the cCCAB group's chicks increased at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 D of age (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, triple P < 0.01), and the lengths in the Cipro group increased at 7 and 14 D of age (P < 0.01, P < 0.01). Intestinal development, including intestinal length, jejunum morphology, and IgA positive cells, helps to explain these results. The breeder eggs from the CCAB group had higher IgG (P < 0.05) and IgM (P < 0.05) levels in the egg whites and higher IgA, IgG, and IgM levels (triple P < 0.01) in the egg yolks. In conclusion, β-carotene, curcumin, allicin, and sodium butyrate supplementation of laying breeder hen diets produced more advantages in growth performance and intestinal development in offspring than in chicks directly supplemented with antibiotics.

BMP-2 upregulates the AKT/mTOR pathway in breast cancer with microcalcification and indicates a poor prognosis

BACKGROUND

As a reliable biomarker of breast cancer, breast microcalcification has been reported to be correlated with poor prognosis. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) plays an important role in microcalcification of breast cancer. Studies in other tissues have shown an association between BMP-2 and AKT/mTOR pathway, while their relationship in breast cancer still remains largely undetermined. To clarify the relationship of these three factors, we collected patients of invasive breast cancer with/without microcalcification and immunohistochemical examination was performed.

METHOD/PATIENTS

A total of 272 patients with primary invasive breast cancer were selected from the First Hospital of China Medical University from January 2010 to January 2012. Immunohistochemical examination of the BMP-2, p-AKT and p-mTOR was performed on 4-µm tissue microarray (TMA) sections. Then, we analyzed the relationship of BMP-2, p-AKT, and p-mTOR and their correlation with disease-free survival (DFS) in breast cancer with/without microcalcification.

RESULTS

We found that breast cancer patients with microcalcification were correlated with HER-2 positive expression and poor prognosis. Immunohistochemical examination showed that the expressions of BMP-2 and p-mTOR were increased in breast cancer with microcalcification and the expressions of BMP-2, p-AKT, and p-mTOR were correlated with each other. Moreover, the high expressions of BMP-2, p-AKT, and p-mTOR were significantly correlated with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the abovementioned findings, we hypothesized that the high expression of BMP-2 not only played a vital role in the formation of microcalcification, but also activated the AKT/mTOR pathway. Collectively, breast cancer patients with microcalcification were more likely to be resistant to targeted or endocrine therapy and be correlated with poor prognosis.

Sustained BMP-2 release and platelet rich fibrin synergistically promote tendon-bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in rat

OBJECTIVE

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries which cause knee disabilities remain a clinical challenge due to the compromised tendon-bone repair. Multiple strategies have been proposed to treat the tendon-bone injuries, and the combination of these therapies hold great potential to achieve synergistic effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We built PLGA-BMP-2 (bone morphogenetic protein 2) system and confirmed the sustained release of BMP-2 both in vitro and in vivo. We then applied different therapies to treat rat ACL reconstruction. We collected the tissue sample and analyzed the BMP-2 concentration both in serum and in injured sites. We tested the mRNA expression of genes that were related to inflammation, tissue repair and bone formation in damaged tissues. We also analyzed the protein levels of some genes associated with tendon formation and check the function of newly generated bone through biomechanical test.

RESULTS

We found that, compared to monotherapies, simultaneous utilization of sustained BMP-2 release and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction showed better therapeutic effects on tendon-bone healing in rat. This combined therapy efficiently enhanced the levels of growth factors that favor the angiogenesis and relieved the inflammatory responses in the injured sites. Of note, the combined therapy efficiently promoted the signals associated with bone formation and tendon regeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that the combined therapy with BMP-2 and PRF achieves synergistic effects on tendon-bone healing and holds great potential for the treatment of ACL reconstruction.

Unique Access to u-Channel Physics: Exclusive Backward-Angle Omega Meson Electroproduction

Backward-angle meson electroproduction above the resonance region, which was previously ignored, is anticipated to offer unique access to the three quark plus sea component of the nucleon wave function. In this Letter, we present the first complete separation of the four electromagnetic structure functions above the resonance region in exclusive ω electroproduction off the proton, ep→e^{'}pω, at central Q^{2} values of 1.60, 2.45  GeV^{2}, at W=2.21  GeV. The results of our pioneering -u≈-u_{min} study demonstrate the existence of a unanticipated backward-angle cross section peak and the feasibility of full L/T/LT/TT separations in this never explored kinematic territory. At Q^{2}=2.45  GeV^{2}, the observed dominance of σ_{T} over σ_{L}, is qualitatively consistent with the collinear QCD description in the near-backward regime, in which the scattering amplitude factorizes into a hard subprocess amplitude and baryon to meson transition distribution amplitudes: universal nonperturbative objects only accessible through backward-angle kinematics.

P834Secondary prevention medications of cardiovascular diseases in China: findings from China PEACE million persons project

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the leading cause of death in China. Secondary prevention medications can improve the prognosis of CVD, yet little is known about the current use, variation and associated factors of these therapies in China.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe the current use of secondary prevention medications among patients with established CVD in the community setting in China, assess variations across population subgroups, and identify the individual characteristics associated with these therapies.

Methods

We studied 2.6 million participants aged 35–75 years from all 31 provinces in the China Patient-Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events (PEACE) Million Persons Project, a government-funded public health program conducted from 2014 to 2018. Participants self-reported their history of ischemic heart disease (IHD) or ischemic stroke (IS) and medication use in an interview. Among participants with IHD and/or IS, we assessed the reported use of secondary prevention medications (anti-platelet drugs and statins) in the overall population and in 1,530,408 population subgroups, defined by all possible combinations of 16 factors (age, sex, urbanity, geographic region, ethnicity, occupation, annual household income, education, marital status, medical insurance, current smoker, current drinker, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, body mass index and years since diagnosis). Multivariable mixed models with a logit link function and community-specific random intercepts were fitted to assess the associations of demographic, socioeconomic and health behavior factors with the reported use of secondary prevention mediations.

Results

Among 2,613,035 screened participants, 2.9% (74,830) had history of IHD and/or IS (1.2% for IHD, 2.4% for IS). Overall, the reported use rate either anti-platelet drugs or statins was 21.9% (18.3% anti-platelet drugs, 11.0% statins, and 7.4% both). Among the 1,530,408 population subgroups, the use of secondary prevention medications varied substantially (3.4% to 52.0%). Multivariable analyses found that that younger people, women, those living in rural areas, current smokers, current drinkers, people without hypertension or diabetes, and those with established CVD for more than 2 years were less likely to take anti-platelet drugs or statins (Figure).

Forest plot of multivariable mixed model

Conclusions

The current use of secondary prevention drugs is suboptimal and varies substantially across population subgroups in China. Our study identifies target populations for interventions to improve secondary prevention of CVD.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This study was supported by the Ministry of Finance of China and National Health Commission of China

Effects of bisphenol A exposure on DNA integrity and protamination of mouse spermatozoa

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol A is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and has caused increasing concern over its potential adverse impacts on spermatogenesis. However, the effect of bisphenol A on spermiogenesis is yet to be explored.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether bisphenol A has adverse effects on DNA integrity and protamination of spermatogenic cell.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Newborn male mice were subcutaneously injected with bisphenol A (0.1, 5 mg/kg body weight, n = 15) or coin oil (control group, n = 20) daily from post-natal day 1 until 35. At post-natal day 70, epididymis caudal spermatozoa and testes were collected. Sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were analyzed. The sperm chromatin structure assay was performed to examine the sperm DNA fragmentation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to assess apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. The ultrastructural features of testicular sections were examined under a transmission electron microscope. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of transition protein (Tnp) 1 and Tnp2, protamine (Prm) 1 and Prm2 protein, and mRNA in mice testes.

RESULTS

Bisphenol A significantly reduced sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and increased the percentage of malformed spermatozoa. Poor sperm chromatin integrity and increased TUNEL-positive spermatogenic cells were also observed in mice exposed to bisphenol A. Ultrastructural analysis of testes showed that bisphenol A exposure caused incomplete chromatin condensation, retention of residual cytoplasm, and abnormal acrosome formation. In addition, the relative expression levels of Tnp2 and Prm2 in mice testes decreased significantly in bisphenol A groups.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our findings identified that neonatal bisphenol A exposure may negatively contribute to the sperm quality in adult mice. Mechanistically, we showed that bisphenol A reduced sperm chromatin integrity along with increased DNA damage, which may be due to poor protamination of spermatozoa.