Stromal interaction molecule 1 haploinsufficiency causes maladaptive response to pressure overload

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), an endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ sensor, has been shown to control a Ca²⁺-dependent signal that promotes cardiac hypertrophy. However, whether STIM1 has adaptive role that helps to protect against cardiac overload stress remains unknown. We hypothesized that STIM1 deficiency causes a maladaptive response to pressure overload stress. We investigated STIM1 heterozygous KO (STIM1^+/–) mice hearts, in which STIM1 protein levels decreased to 27% of wild-type (WT) with no compensatory increase in STIM2. Under stress-free conditions, no significant differences were observed in electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters or blood pressure between STIM1^+/–and WT mice. However, when STIM1^+/–mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC), STIM1^+/–mice had a higher mortality rate than WT mice. The TAC-induced increase in the heart weight to body weight ratio (mean mg/g ± standard error of the mean) was significantly inhibited in STIM1^+/–mice (WT sham, 4.12 ± 0.14; WT TAC, 6.23 ± 0.40; STIM1^+/–sham, 4.53 ± 0.16; STIM1^+/–TAC, 4.63 ± 0.08). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of the left ventricles of TAC-treated STIM1^+/–mice showed inhibited induction of cardiac fetal genes, including those encoding brain and atrial natriuretic proteins. Western blot analysis showed upregulated expression of transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) in TAC-treated WT mice, but suppressed expression in TAC-treated STIM1^+/–mice. Taken together, the hearts of STIM1 haploinsufficient mice had a superficial resemblance to the WT phenotype under stress-free conditions; however, STIM1 haploinsufficient mice showed a maladaptive response to cardiac pressure overload.

Relationship between sudden natural death and abdominal fat evaluated on postmortem CT scans

Objective

This study examined the association between sudden natural death and abdominal fat using postmortem computed tomography (CT) scans.

Subjects and methods

Postmortem CT images at the umbilical level of 241 subjects were used to measure abdominal areas of subcutaneous‐ and visceral fat, the rate of visceral fat and the waist circumference. Of the study subjects, 174 died of sudden natural death (130 men and 44 women), and 67 died of different causes (46 men and 21 women). All were between 40 and 75 years of age. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent abdominal parameters associated with sudden natural death.

Results

By univariate analysis, the areas of subcutaneous and visceral fat were significantly larger in sudden natural death than who died of different causes (subcutaneous fat, odds ratio [OR] = 1.004, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.000–1.007, p = 0.03; visceral fat, OR = 1.008, 95% CI = 1.003–1.013, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that the area of visceral fat was an independent factor associated with the risk of sudden natural death (OR = 1.008, 95% CI = 1.002–1.015, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Postmortem CT revealed that sudden natural death was related to abdominal fat deposits.

Review of chemotherapeutic approaches for operable and inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The predominant histological types of esophageal cancer are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Since these two histological types present as different diseases in terms of their epidemiology, pathologenesis, and tumor biology, separate therapeutic approaches should be developed against each type. While surgical resection remains the dominant therapeutic intervention for patients with operable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), their high rates of tumor recurrence have prompted investigation of multimodality therapies that combine surgery with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy. In Japan, preoperative chemotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP) plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) followed by radical esophagectomy has been accepted as the standard therapeutic approach for resactable clinical Stage II/III ESCC. Similarly, the CDDP and 5-FU regimen has been accepted as the first-line treatment for metastatic and unresectable ESCCs in Japan. Thus, in Japan chemotherapy is an indispensable component of therapy for both resectable and unresectable ESCCs. This review discusses the current knowledge, rationale, and available data regarding chemotherapy for resectable and unresectable ESCCs.

[Store-operated Calcium Entry into B Cells Regulates Autoimmune Inflammation]

Alterations in the cytosolic concentration of calcium ions (Ca(2+)) are important signals for various physiological events. The engagement of B cell receptors (BCR) results in the transient release of Ca(2+) into cytosol from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores. In turn, this decrease in ER luminal Ca(2+) concentration triggers the opening of Ca(2+) channels in the plasma membrane, inducing a sustained influx of extracellular Ca(2+) into cells. These processes are referred to as store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE), which is an essential pathway for continuous Ca(2+) signaling. While the ER calcium sensor stromal interaction molecule (STIM) 1 and STIM2 are crucial components for SOCE activation, their physiological roles in B cells are unknown. Here we uncover the physiological function of SOCE in B cells by analyzing mice with B cell-specific deletions of STIM1 and STIM2. Our findings indicate that STIM1 and STIM2 are critical for BCR-induced SOCE, as well as the activation of nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFAT), and the subsequent production of interleukin-10 (IL-10). Although STIM proteins are not essential for B cell development and antibody responses, these molecules are required to suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) via an IL-10-dependent mechanism. Accumulating evidence underscores the importance of IL-10-producing B cells in autoimmunity, although the identity of IL-10-producing B cells with a regulatory function in vivo remains unclear. We addressed this issue and identified plasmablasts as IL-10-producing B cells that can suppress EAE inflammation. Our data established STIM-dependent SOCE as a key signal for the regulatory plasmablasts required to limit autoimmunity.

Uterine-fundal hypoechoic mass: a possible ultrasound sign for cesarean scar pregnancy

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a life-threatening condition that requires early pregnancy termination. Its early ultrasound diagnosis is clinically important; however, previous studies focused on the CSP site itself. The present study was conducted to investigate the authors' clinical impression that a uterine-fundal hypoechoic mass is more frequently observed in CSP. Such a finding, if confirmed, may contribute to ultrasound diagnosis of CSP. The authors also determined the relationship between the treatment strategy and outcome, with special emphasis on conditions eventually requiring uterine artery embolization (UAE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a case-control study of CSP, and the authors analyzed all 14 women that were treated in this single tertiary institute over a period of ten years. Control subjects consisted of all pregnant women with prior cesarean section (CS) but no CSP.

RESULTS

Patients with CSP were significantly more likely to have a hypoechoic mass than controls (42.9 vs. 15.4%, respectively; p = 0.028). On confining results to a "fundal" hypoechoic mass, only CSP(+) patients showed it (CSP vs. control: 28.6 vs. 0%, respectively; p < 0.001). Six (43%: 6/14) received UAE: four following vaginal evacuation (artificial or spontaneous), and two for bleeding after methotrexate (MTX) treatment.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CSP more frequently had a uterine-fundal hypoechoic mass, whose detection may trigger a detailed observation of the CSP site, possibly leading to CSP diagnosis.

Early glottic squamous cell carcinoma: Predictive value of MR imaging for the rate of 5-year local control with radiation therapy

Purpose: To evaluate MR findings in early (T1 and T2 stages) glottic carcinomas and the predictive value of MR imaging for the rate of 5-year local control with radiation therapy.

Material and Methods: Eighty-three patients with early glottic carcinomas were prospectively examined with MR at 1.5 T. MR investigation included unenhanced T1-weighted, T2-weighted, dynamic and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. Three patients with presumed advanced diseases on MR were initially treated with total laryngectomy and were excluded from the study. The remaining 80 patients were treated with radiation therapy with curative intent. Tumor detectability, size and relationship to the thyroid cartilage were determined on MR images. The MR findings were then correlated with the rate of local control.

Results: Forty-eight of 80 lesions (60%) were detected on MR imaging. All detected lesions but 1 demonstrated increased signal on T2-weighted images. The lesions were best delineated on dynamic images (statistically significant). The 5-year local control rate with radiation therapy was 72%. Univariate analysis revealed clinical T stage, MR detectability, tumor size and relationship to the thyroid cartilage as significant predictors. Multivariate analysis revealed that the relationship to the thyroid cartilage was an independent factor.

Conclusion: MR provides prognostic information about the results of definitive radiation therapy. To evaluate the tumor extension in lesions detected on precontrast MR images, contrast-enhanced dynamic images should be obtained.

Prognostic and clinical impact of sarcopenia in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Recently, depletion of skeletal muscle mass (sarcopenia) has been linked to poor prognosis in several types of cancers, but has not been investigated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This retrospective study investigates the relationship between sarcopenia and clinical outcome in ESCC patients treated by surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation therapy (dCRT). The study was retrospectively conducted in a single academic hospital in Kumamoto, Japan, and involved 325 ESCC patients (256 surgical cases and 69 dCRT cases) treated between April 2005 and April 2011. Skeletal muscle mass was quantified by radiologic measures using standard computed tomography scans. The skeletal muscle tissue in the 325 ESCC patients was distributed as follows: mean: 47.10; median: 46.88; standard deviation (SD): 7.39; range: 31.48-71.11; interquartile range, 46.29-47.90. Skeletal muscle tissue was greater in male patients than in female patients (P < 0.0001), but was independent of other clinical and tumor features. Sarcopenia was not significantly associated with overall survival (log rank P = 0.54). Lymph node involvement significantly altered the relationship between sarcopenia and survival rate (P for interaction = 0.026). Sarcopenia significantly reduced the overall survival of patients without lymph node involvement (log rank P = 0.035), but was uncorrelated with overall survival in patients with lymph involvement (log rank, P = 0.31). The anastomosis leakage rate was significantly higher in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group (P = 0.032), but other surgical complications did not significantly differ between the two groups. Sarcopenia in ESCC patients without lymph node involvement is associated with poor prognosis, indicating sarcopenia as a potential biomarker for identifying patients likely to experience an inferior outcome. Moreover, sarcopenia was associated with anastomosis leakage but no other short-term surgical outcome.

Thymic Granulomatous Lesions in Pigs

Rare cases of thymic granulomatous lesions were found in pigs. The lesions consisted of epithelioid cells, multinucleated giant cells, and lymphocytes. Such lesions also were observed in the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, kidney, and stomach. The cytoplasm of the majority of giant cells and some epithlioid cells was periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive. All cells were positive for vimentin, lysozyme, and desmin. Ultrastructurally, the giant cells were rich in organella and attached to adjacent epithelioid cells by membrane interdigitation. The cells included numerous coated vesicles and granules. No etiologic pathogen, including porcine circovirus type 2, was detected in the lesions. This is the rare case of idiopathic thymic granulomatous lesion in pigs.

Correlative near-infrared light and cathodoluminescence microscopy using Y2O3:Ln, Yb (Ln = Tm, Er) nanophosphors for multiscale, multicolour bioimaging

This paper presents a new correlative bioimaging technique using Y₂O₃:Tm, Yb and Y₂O₃:Er, Yb nanophosphors (NPs) as imaging probes that emit luminescence excited by both near-infrared (NIR) light and an electron beam. Under 980 nm NIR light irradiation, the Y₂O₃:Tm, Yb and Y₂O₃:Er, Yb NPs emitted NIR luminescence (NIRL) around 810 nm and 1530 nm, respectively, and cathodoluminescence at 455 nm and 660 nm under excitation of accelerated electrons, respectively. Multimodalities of the NPs were confirmed in correlative NIRL/CL imaging and their locations were visualized at the same observation area in both NIRL and CL images. Using CL microscopy, the NPs were visualized at the single-particle level and with multicolour. Multiscale NIRL/CL bioimaging was demonstrated through in vivo and in vitro NIRL deep-tissue observations, cellular NIRL imaging, and high-spatial resolution CL imaging of the NPs inside cells. The location of a cell sheet transplanted onto the back muscle fascia of a hairy rat was visualized through NIRL imaging of the Y₂O₃:Er, Yb NPs. Accurate positions of cells through the thickness (1.5 mm) of a tissue phantom were detected by NIRL from the Y₂O₃:Tm, Yb NPs. Further, locations of the two types of NPs inside cells were observed using CL microscopy.

Sialylation converts arthritogenic IgG into inhibitors of collagen-induced arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated IgG antibodies such as anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) have diverse glycosylation variants; however, key sugar chains modulating the arthritogenic activity of IgG remain to be clarified. Here, we show that reduced sialylation is a common feature of RA-associated IgG in humans and in mouse models of arthritis. Genetically blocking sialylation in activated B cells results in exacerbation of joint inflammation in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. On the other hand, artificial sialylation of anti-type II collagen antibodies, including ACPAs, not only attenuates arthritogenic activity, but also suppresses the development of CIA in the antibody-infused mice, whereas sialylation of other IgG does not prevent CIA. Thus, our data demonstrate that sialylation levels control the arthritogenicity of RA-associated IgG, presenting a potential target for antigen-specific immunotherapy.

Signals controlling the development and activity of regulatory B-lineage cells

The fundamental concepts surrounding B cells with inhibitory function (regulatory B cells) are now being established. In the context of autoimmune and inflammatory animal models, B cells play an immunomodulatory role via IL-10 production and contribute to limitation of the pathogenesis. Recent studies have notably identified the human counterparts of these cells, which have been suggested to be relevant to the pathophysiology of disease. Clear criteria to identify these cell subsets and the key molecular mechanisms underlying their physiological features are required for understanding the big picture of regulatory B cells. Plasmablasts have recently been identified as a major IL-10-producing regulatory B-cell subset and Ca(2+) signaling has furthermore been found to contribute to B-cell IL-10 expression. In this review, the signaling components controlling IL-10-dependent B-cell regulatory function and the development of IL-10-competent/-producing B cells and plasmablasts are discussed.

Ca2+ signals regulate mitochondrial metabolism by stimulating CREB-mediated expression of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter gene MCU

Cytosolic Ca2+ signals, generated through the coordinated translocation of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane (PM) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, mediate diverse cellular responses. Mitochondrial Ca2+ is important for mitochondrial function, and when cytosolic Ca2+ concentration becomes too high, mitochondria function as cellular Ca2+ sinks. By measuring mitochondrial Ca2+ currents, we found that mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake was reduced in chicken DT40 B lymphocytes lacking either the ER-localized inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), which releases Ca2+ from the ER, or Orai1 or STIM1, components of the PM-localized Ca2+ -permeable channel complex that mediates store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) in response to depletion of ER Ca2+ stores. The abundance of MCU, the pore-forming subunit of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter, was reduced in cells deficient in IP3R, STIM1, or Orai1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and promoter reporter analyses revealed that the Ca2+ -regulated transcription factor CREB (cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein) directly bound the MCU promoter and stimulated expression. Lymphocytes deficient in IP3R, STIM1, or Orai1 exhibited altered mitochondrial metabolism, indicating that Ca2+ released from the ER and SOCE-mediated signals modulates mitochondrial function. Thus, our results showed that a transcriptional regulatory circuit involving Ca2+ -dependent activation of CREB controls the Ca2+ uptake capability of mitochondria and hence regulates mitochondrial metabolism.

A fluorescence XAFS measurement instrument in the soft X-ray region toward observation under operando conditions

X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements are widely used for the analysis of electronic structure. Generally, XAFS in the soft X-ray region is measured under vacuum, but chemical structures under vacuum are typically different from those under operando conditions, where chemical species exhibit their function. Here, we developed an XAFS measurement instrument, as a step toward operando fluorescent, which yields XAFS measurement using synchrotron radiation in the soft X-ray region. We applied this method to analyze the local electronic structure of the sulfur atoms in L-cysteine in different pH solutions. In water at pH 7, the hydrogen atom does not dissociate from the thiol (-SH) group in L-cysteine, which forms a structure surrounded by and interacting with water molecules. The XAFS spectrum of L-cysteine in solution was altered by changing the pH. At pH 9, the hydrogen atom dissociated and a thiolate anion was formed. Although the -SH group was oxidized to SO4 (2-) when L-cysteine was adsorbed on a metal surface and dried, no oxidation was observed in solution. This may be because the water molecules were densely packed and protected the -SH group from oxidation. Our results show that this instrument aimed toward operando fluorescence XAFS measurements in the soft X-ray region is useful for structural analysis of sulfur atoms in organic molecules in air and in solution. The instrument will be applied to the structural analysis of materials containing elements that have absorption edges in soft X-ray region, such as phosphorus and alkali metals (potassium and cesium). It will be also particularly useful for the analysis of samples that are difficult to handle under vacuum and materials that have specific functions in solution.