Effects of Feeding Barley Naturally Contaminated with Fusarium Mycotoxins on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Blood Chemistry of Gilts and Growth Recoveries by Feeding a Non-contaminated Diet

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of feeding barley naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins on growth performance, vulva swelling, and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein of gilts and the recovery of gilts fed normal diets immediately after the exposure to contaminated diets by measuring growth performance and vulva swelling. In Exp. 1, four diets were prepared to contain 0%, 15%, 30%, or 45% contaminated barley containing 25.7 mg/kg deoxynivalenol and 26.0 μg/kg zearalenone. Sixteen gilts with an initial body weight (BW) of 33.3 kg (standard deviation = 3.0) were individually housed in a metabolism crate and assigned to 4 diets with 4 replicates in a randomized complete block design based on BW. During the 14-d feeding trial, individual BW and feed consumption were measured weekly and the vertical and horizontal lengths of vulva were measured every 3 d. From d 10, feces were collected by the maker-to-marker method for 4 d. Blood samples were collected on d 14. During the overall period, the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain:feed of pigs linearly decreased (p<0.01) as the dietary concentration of contaminated barley increased. However, the digestibility of crude protein was linearly increased (p = 0.011) with the increasing amounts of contaminated barley. Increasing dietary Fusarium mycotoxin concentrations did not influence vulva size, blood characteristic as well as immunoglobulin level of pigs. In the Exp. 2, a corn-soybean meal-based diet was formulated as a recovery diet. Pigs were fed the recovery diet immediately after completion of the Exp. 1. During the 14-d of recovery period, the individual BW and feed consumption were measured weekly and the vertical and horizontal length of vulva were measured every 3 d from d 0. On d 7, the feed intake of pigs previously fed contaminated diets already reached that of pigs fed a diet with 0% contaminated barley and no significant difference in growth performance among treatments was observed during d 7 to 14 of the recovery period. In conclusion, increasing levels of mycotoxins in diets linearly decreased the growth performance of pigs, and these damages can be recovered in 7 d after the diet was replaced with a normal diet. The vulva size, blood characteristic, immune responses were not affected by increasing level of contaminated barley in the diets fed to pigs.

Effects of Palonosetron on Perioperative Cardiovascular Complications in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery With General Anesthesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

We retrospectively investigated whether palonosetron administered during the induction of general anesthesia is associated with an increased risk of perioperative cardiovascular complications in a single tertiary center cohort consisting of 4,517 palonosetron-exposed patients and 4,517 propensity score-matched patients without palonosetron exposure. The primary endpoint was a composite of perioperative cardiovascular complications, including intraoperative cardiac arrhythmia, intraoperative cardiac death, and myocardial injury within the first postoperative week, and there was no significant difference between the groups (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92-1.19). As secondary endpoints, intraoperative cardioversion, cardiac compression, use of cardiovascular drugs, postoperative hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality showed no differences between the groups. However, the palonosetron group showed decreased intraoperative hypotension (OR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.79-0.97) and length of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay (4.26 ± 9.86 vs. 6.14 ± 16.75; P = 0.026). Palonosetron did not increase the rate of perioperative cardiovascular complications, and can therefore be used safely during anesthetic induction.

Interactome Analysis Reveals that Heterochromatin Protein 1γ (HP1γ) Is Associated with the DNA Damage Response Pathway

PURPOSE

Heterochromatin protein 1γ (HP1γ) interacts with chromosomes by binding to lysine 9-methylated histone H3 or DNA/RNA. HP1γ is involved in various biological processes. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of how HP1γ functions in these processes by identifying HP1γ-binding proteins using mass spectrometry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed affinity purification of HP1γ-binding proteins using G1/S phase or prometaphase HEK293T cell lysates that transiently express mock or FLAG-HP1γ. Coomassie staining was performed for HP1γ-binding complexes, using cell lysates prepared by affinity chromatography FLAG-agarose beads, and the bands were digested and then analyzed using a mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

We identified 99 HP1γ-binding proteins with diverse cellular functions, including spliceosome, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, tight junction, pathogenic Escherichia coli infection, mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway, nucleotide excision repair, DNA replication, homologous recombination, and mismatch repair.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that HP1γ is functionally active in DNA damage response via protein-protein interaction.

Effects of dietary cellulose on the Basal endogenous loss of phosphorus in growing pigs

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of cellulose concentration in diets containing no phosphorus (P) on the basal endogenous loss (BEL) of P in growing pigs. Twelve barrows (an initial mean body weight = 49.6±3.2 kg) were individually housed in metabolism crates. Pigs were allotted to 4 experimental diets according to a cross-over design with 12 animals and 2 periods. Four P-free diets were mainly based on corn starch, sucrose, and gelatin, and were formulated to contain 0%, 4%, 8%, or 12% cellulose. Each period consisted of a 5-d adaptation and a 5-d collection period. The marker-to-marker method was used for fecal collection. The feed intake (p<0.05, linear and quadratic) and dry feces output (p<0.01, linear and quadratic) were increased with increasing dietary cellulose concentration. However, P concentration in the feces was decreased (p<0.01, linear and quadratic) with increasing dietary cellulose concentration. There was no significant difference in total P output and the BEL of P as mg per kg DMI (ranging from 157 to 214 mg/kg of dry matter intake) among experimental diets. However, values for the apparent total tract digestibility of energy, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and calcium were linearly decreased (p<0.01) with increasing cellulose concentration in the diet. In conclusion, dietary cellulose affected the amount of feces and digestibility of energy and nutrients, but did not affect the endogenous loss of P.

Energy concentration and phosphorus digestibility in yeast products produced from the ethanol industry, and in brewers' yeast, fish meal, and soybean meal fed to growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the DE, ME, and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of P in 2 novel sources of yeast (C-yeast and S-yeast) and in brewers' yeast, fish meal, and soybean meal fed to growing pigs. The 2 new sources of yeast are coproducts from the dry-grind ethanol industry. The concentrations of DM, GE, and P were 94.8%, 5,103 kcal/kg, and 1.07% in C-yeast; 94.4%, 4,926 kcal/kg, and 2.01% in S-yeast; 93.6%, 4,524 kcal/kg, and 1.40% in brewers' yeast; 91.4%, 4,461 kcal/kg, and 3.26% in fish meal; and 87.7%, 4,136 kcal/kg, and 0.70% in soybean meal, respectively. The DE and ME in each of the ingredients were determined using 42 growing barrows (28.9±2.18 kg BW). A corn-based basal diet and 5 diets containing corn and 24% to 40% of each test ingredient were formulated. The total collection method was used to collect feces and urine, and the difference procedure was used to calculate values for DE and ME in each ingredient. The concentrations of DE in corn, C-yeast, S-yeast, brewers' yeast, fish meal, and soybean meal were 4,004, 4,344, 4,537, 4,290, 4,544, and 4,362 kcal/kg DM (SEM=57), respectively, and the ME values were 3,879, 3,952, 4,255, 3,771, 4,224, and 4,007 kcal/kg DM (SEM=76), respectively. The ME in S-yeast and fish meal were greater (P<0.05) than the ME in corn and brewers' yeast, whereas the ME in C-yeast and soybean meal were not different from those of any of the other ingredients. The STTD of P in the 5 ingredients was determined using 42 barrows (28.3±7.21 kg BW) that were placed in metabolism cages. Five diets were formulated to contain each test ingredient as the sole source of P, and a P-free diet was used to estimate the basal endogenous loss of P. Feces were collected for 5 d using the marker to marker method after a 5-d adaptation period. The STTD of P in brewers' yeast (85.2%) was greater (P<0.05) than the STTD of P in all the other ingredients except S-yeast (75.7%). The STTD of P in C-yeast (73.9%) was not different from the STTD of P in S-yeast and fish meal (67.3%) but was greater (P<0.05) than the STTD of P in soybean meal (56.7%). In conclusion, the 2 novel sources of yeast contain similar or greater concentrations of energy compared with brewers' yeast, corn, fish meal, and soybean meal, and the STTD of P in the 2 yeast products is not different from the STTD of P in fish meal.

Autophagy induced by resveratrol suppresses α-MSH-induced melanogenesis

Autophagy degrades cellular components and organelles through a cooperative process involving autophagosomes and lysosomes. Although autophagy is known to mainly regulate the turnover of cellular components, the role of autophagy in melanogenesis has not been well addressed. Here, we show that inhibition of autophagy suppresses the antimelanogenesis activity of resveratrol (RSV), a well-known antimelanogenic agent. RSV strongly increased autophagy in melanocytes. However, the depletion of ATG5 significantly suppressed RSV-mediated antimelanogenesis as well as RSV-induced autophagy in melanocytes. Moreover, suppression of ATG5 retrieved the RSV-mediated downregulation of tyrosinase and TRP1 in α-MSH-treated cells. Most importantly, electron microscopy analysis revealed that autophagosomes engulfed melanin or melanosomes after combined treatment of α-MSH and RSV. Taken together, these results suggest that RSV-mediated autophagy regulates melanogenesis.

Abstract LB-251: p27Kip1 suppression of colitis-associated colon cancer mediated through cell intrinsic function in both mucosal epithelia and mucosal T cells

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1 is a negative regulator of the cell cycle. Reduced expression of p27Kip1 has prognostic significance in several human epithelial cancers. Loss of p27Kip1 expression in cancer cells correlates with tumor aggressiveness, depth of tumor cell invasion and with lack of tumor cell differentiation. However, p27Kip1 also promotes apoptosis and contraction of effector CD4+ T cells, suggesting the potential that suppression of epithelial tumorigenesis may be linked to an intrinsic function of p27Kip1 in T cells. Here we show both mRNA and protein expression of p27Kip1 are significantly decreased in a murine model wherein a T cell-restricted deletion of the gene encoding the TGF-β intermediate, Smad4 (Smad4TKO), results in spontaneous colitis that invariably progresses to colon cancer by the age of 8 months. This phenotype is associated with a consistent decline in the mucosal expression of p27Kip1. To further investigate the role of p27Kip1 in the maintenance of intestinal mucosal homeostasis, we generated a ‘double knockout’ (Smad4TKO / p27Kip1-/- or ‘DKO’) mouse model in which a germ line p27Kip1 gene deletion (p27Kip1-/-) is combined with the T cell-restricted deletion of the Smad4 gene (Smad4TKO). All DKO mice develop spontaneous gastrointestinal inflammation and colon carcinoma by 1-2 months and 3 months of age, respectively. The p27Kip1 gene deletion, when combined with the T cell-restricted deletion of the Smad4 gene, leads to progressive inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IFN-γ, iNOS, IL-6, IL-1β), activation of Stat1 and Stat3 and suppression of the expression of the tumor suppressor, 15-PGDH. Collectively our data suggest that p27Kip1 deficiency promotes gastrointestinal epithelial malignancy through both enhancement of proliferation of mucosal epithelial cells and through expansion of mucosal effector memory T cells.

Citation Format: Sung Hee Choi, Byung-Gyu Kim, Letterio J. John. p27Kip1 suppression of colitis-associated colon cancer mediated through cell intrinsic function in both mucosal epithelia and mucosal T cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-251. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-LB-251

Effects of dietary sulfur and distillers dried grains with solubles on carcass characteristics, loin quality, and tissue concentrations of sulfur, selenium, and copper in growing-finishing pigs

Inclusion of up to 0.38% S in diets that contain 30% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) has no negative effect on growth performance of growing-finishing pigs, but there is no information about the effects of dietary S on accumulation of S in tissues in pigs. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine if the concentration of S in diets containing DDGS affects carcass characteristics, loin quality, or tissue mineral concentrations in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 120 barrows (34.2 ± 2.3 kg BW) were allotted to 3 dietary treatments with 10 replicate pens and 4 pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were fed grower diets for 42 d and finisher diets for 42 d. At the conclusion of the experiment, the pig in each pen with the BW closest to the pen average was slaughtered. The control diet was based on corn and soybean meal and the finisher diet contained 0.14% S, 0.19 mg/kg Se, and 15.3 mg/kg Cu. The DDGS diet was formulated with corn, soybean meal, and 30% DDGS and the finisher diet with DDGS contained 0.16% S, 0.32 mg/kg Se, and 14.0 mg/kg Cu. The DDGS plus S (DDGS-S) diet was similar to the DDGS diet, except that 1.10% CaSO4 (16.2% S) was included in this diet, and the finisher diet with DDGS-S contained 0.37% S, 0.35 mg/kg Se, and 13.8 mg/kg Cu. Results indicated that organ weights and loin quality, 24-h pH, drip loss, loin subjective color, marbling, and firmness did not differ among treatments, but loin a* was greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the control diet than for pigs fed the DDGS-S diet. Concentrations of S in hair, liver, heart, loin, and all other tissues did not differ among treatments, but urinary S concentration was greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the DDGS-S diet than for pigs fed the other diets. Pigs fed the DDGS diet or the DDGS-S diet had greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of Se in hair, liver, heart, and loin than pigs fed the control diet, but liver concentrations of Cu did not differ among treatments. In conclusion, inclusion of 30% DDGS in diets fed to growing-finishing pigs did not influence carcass characteristics or tissue S concentrations regardless of S concentration in the diet, and excess dietary S was excreted in the urine. However, because of the greater concentration of Se in DDGS than in corn and soybean meal and, therefore, greater concentrations in DDGS-containing diets, tissue concentrations of Se were increased in pigs fed diets that contained DDGS. In contrast, dietary DDGS did not influence liver concentrations of Cu.

Crystal structure of human cytosolic aspartyl-tRNA synthetase

Human cytosolic aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (DRS) catalyzes the attachment of the amino acid aspartic acid to its cognate tRNA and it is a component of the multi-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC) which has been known to be involved in unexpected signaling pathways. Here, we report the crystal structure of DRS at 2.25 Å resolution. DRS is a homodimer with a dimer interface 3,750.5 Å2which comprises of 16.6% of the monomeric surface area. Our structure reveals the C-terminal end of the N-helix which is considered as a unique addition in DRS, and its conformation further supports the switching model of the N-helix for the transfer of tRNAAsp to elongation factor 1α. From our analyses of the crystal structure and post-translational modification of DRS, we suggest that the phosphorylation of Ser146 provokes the separation of DRS from the MSC and provides the binding site for an interaction partner with unforeseen functions.

Promiscuous methionyl-tRNA synthetase mediates adaptive mistranslation to protect cells against oxidative stress

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) acylate transfer (t)RNAs with amino acids. Charging tRNAs with the right amino acids is the first step in translation; therefore, the accurate and error-free functioning of ARSs is an essential prerequisite for translational fidelity. A recent study found that methionine (Met) can be incorporated into non-Met residues of proteins through methionylation of non-cognate tRNAs under conditions of oxidative stress. However, it was not understood how this mis-methionylation is achieved. Here, we report that methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MRS) is phosphorylated at Ser209 and Ser825 by extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1/2) under conditions of stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), and that this phosphorylated MRS shows increased affinity for non-cognate tRNAs with lower affinity for tRNA^Met, leading to an increase in Met residues in cellular proteins. The expression of a mutant MRS containing the substitutions S209D and S825D, mimicking dual phosphorylation, reduced ROS levels and cell death. This controlled inaccuracy of MRS seems to serve as a defense mechanism against ROS-mediated damage at the cost of translational fidelity.

Ileal digestibility of amino acids in meat meal and soybean meal fed to growing pigs

The objective of this experiment was to determine the concentration and digestibility of crude protein (CP) and amino acid (AA) in meat meal (MM), and to compare these values with the respective values in soybean meal (SBM). Six barrows (initial body weight = 66.9±3.8 kg) surgically fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum were allotted to a replicated 3×3 balanced Latin square design with 3 diets and 3 periods. Two experimental diets containing test ingredients as the sole source of AA were prepared to estimate the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) for CP and AA by the direct method. An N-free diet was also prepared to estimate basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. All experimental diets contained 5% chromic oxide as an indigestible index. Each period consisted of a 5-d adaptation period and a 2-d of ileal digesta collection period. Ileal digesta samples were collected from 0900 to 1700 on d 6 and 7 of each period. The concentrations of CP, Lys, Met, and Trp in MM and SBM were analyzed to be 64.1, 3.5, 1.1 and 0.6, and 45.6, 2.8, 0.8, and 0.3%, respectively. The AID of all AA except Gly in MM was less (p<0.05) than in SBM. The AID of Lys, Met, and Trp in MM was estimated to be 56.0, 71.7, and 47.1%, respectively. The SID of all AA in MM was less (p<0.05) than in SBM. The SID of Lys, Met, and Trp was 65.1, 79.2, and 78.5%, respectively. In conclusion, the CP and AA contents in MM were greater than those in SBM whereas the ileal digestibility of all AA in MM was less than in SBM.

Feed energy evaluation for growing pigs

Pigs require energy for maintenance and productive purposes, and an accurate amount of available energy in feeds should be provided according to their energy requirement. Available energy in feeds for pigs has been characterized as DE, ME, or NE by considering sequential energy losses during digestion and metabolism from GE in feeds. Among these energy values, the NE system has been recognized as providing energy values of ingredients and diets that most closely describes the available energy to animals because it takes the heat increment from digestive utilization and metabolism of feeds into account. However, NE values for diets and individual ingredients are moving targets, and therefore, none of the NE systems are able to accurately predict truly available energy in feeds. The DE or ME values for feeds are important for predicting NE values, but depend on the growth stage of pigs (i.e., BW) due to the different abilities of nutrient digestion, especially for dietary fiber. The NE values are also influenced by both environment that affects NE requirement for maintenance (NE_m) and the growth stage of pigs that differs in nutrient utilization (i.e., protein vs. lipid synthesis) in the body. Therefore, the interaction among animals, environment, and feed characteristics should be taken into consideration for advancing feed energy evaluation. A more mechanistic approach has been adopted in Denmark as potential physiological energy (PPE) for feeds, which is based on the theoretical biochemical utilization of energy in feeds for pigs. The PPE values are, therefore, believed to be independent of animals and environment. This review provides an overview over current knowledge on energy utilization and energy evaluation systems in feeds for growing pigs.

Comparison of growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of korean local chickens and silky fowl

This study was conducted to compare growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of 4 breeds of local chicken. A total of 480 1-d-old chicks were distributed to 16 pens, with 4 treatments of breed, 4 replicates and 30 chicks per pen. Three Korean local breeds of white-mini broiler, Hanhyup-3-ho, and Woorimatdag, and a breed of silky fowl were raised under identical rearing and feeding conditions for 31-d, 37-d, 36-d, and 59-d, respectively. The BW and feed consumption on a pen basis were weekly measured for all pens, and ADFI, ADG and gain:feed were calculated for each pen. The ADFI and ADG of 3 breeds of Korean local chicken were greater than those of silky fowl (p<0.05). Within the Korean local breeds, ADFI of white-mini broiler was the highest (p<0.05), and ADG of Hanhyup-3-ho and white-mini broiler was the highest (p<0.05). Gain:feed of silky fowl was less than that of the 3 breeds of Korean local chicken. The carcass and breast yield of white-mini broiler were the greater than those of other breeds (p<0.05). The breast meat color (CIE L*, a*, and b*) of 3 breeds of Korean local chicken were higher than that of silky fowl (p<0.05). The breast meat of Hanhyup-3-ho had greater cooking loss (p<0.05), whereas water holding capacity and pH were less than those of other breeds (p<0.05). The color score of 3 breeds of Korean local chicken was higher than that of silky fowl (p<0.05). Woorimatdag had a higher score on tenderness (p<0.05), whereas flavor score was less than that of other breeds (p<0.05). In conclusion, 4 local breeds of chicken have some unique features and seem to have more advantages, and this information can help consumers who prefer healthy and premium chicken meat.

Synthetic triterpenoid induces 15-PGDH expression and suppresses inflammation-driven colon carcinogenesis

Colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) develops as a result of inflammation-induced epithelial transformation, which occurs in response to inflammatory cytokine-dependent downregulation of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) and subsequent suppression of prostaglandin metabolism. Agents that both enhance 15-PGDH expression and suppress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) production may more effectively prevent CAC. Synthetic triterpenoids are a class of small molecules that suppress COX-2 as well as inflammatory cytokine signaling. Here, we found that administration of the synthetic triterpenoid 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-C28-methyl ester (CDDO-Me) suppresses CAC in mice. In a spontaneous, inflammation-driven intestinal neoplasia model, deletion of Smad4 specifically in T cells led to progressive production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, iNOS, IL-6, IL-1β; as well as activation of STAT1 and STAT3; along with suppression of 15-PGDH expression. Oral administration of CDDO-Me to mice with SMAD4-deficient T cells increased survival and suppressed intestinal epithelial neoplasia by decreasing production of inflammatory mediators and increasing expression of 15-PGDH. Induction of 15-PGDH by CDDO-Me was dose dependent in epithelial cells and was abrogated following treatment with TGF-β signaling inhibitors in vitro. Furthermore, CDDO-Me-dependent 15-PGDH induction was not observed in Smad3-/- mice. Similarly, CDDO-Me suppressed azoxymethane plus dextran sodium sulfate-induced carcinogenesis in wild-type animals, highlighting the potential of small molecules of the triterpenoid family as effective agents for the chemoprevention of CAC in humans.

IFN-γ is required for spontaneous colitis-associated colon cancer in mice with a lineage-restricted deletion of the Smad4 gene in T cells. (MUC2P.821)

Immune cells and the cytokines they produce are important mediators of the transition from colitis to colon cancer, but the mechanisms mediating this disease progression are poorly understood. We previously reported that selective deletion in T cells of the TGF-β signaling intermediate in mice, Smad4 (Smad4TKO mice) leads to spontaneous gastrointestinal inflammation which progresses to mucosal epithelia cancers. IFN-γ expression is significantly increased in the T cells and colon of Smad4TKO mice, thus we established a ‘double knockout’ (Smad4/IFN-γDKO) mouse model in which a germ line IFN-γ gene deletion (IFN-γKO) is combined with the Smad4TKO. Smad4/IFN-γDKO mice had a significantly reduced incidence and progression of colitis-associated colon cancer, and a decrease in the number of mucosal CD4+ T cells, compared to those of Smad4TKO. We observed impaired in vitro induction of Foxp3+CD4+ T cells (iTregs) by TGF-β in T cells derived from both Smad4TKO and Smad4/IFN-γDKO. This phenotype is associated with a decrease in the mucosal natural Foxp3+CD4+ T cells (nTregs) in vivo. The colon epithelia of Smad4/IFN-γDKO mice exhibited a non-oncogenic signature with a decrease in the expression of iNOS and p-STAT1 and a restoration of the tumor suppressor gene, 15-PGDH, compared to Smad4TKO mice. Thus, our data indicate the critical role of IFN-γ in promoting carcinogenesis associated with spontaneous inflammation in mice with a T cell-restricted deletion of the Smad4 gene.

The role of CdK5 in the activation and effector function of T cells in experimental autoimmune uveitis (BA14P.216)

The activation and survival of T cells are both essential for the development and progression of uveitis. Cyclin-dependent kinas 5 (Cdk5) is a unique member of Cdk family that forms a complex with p35 (CDK5R1) and modulates the function of many proteins through proline-directed serine threonine phosphorylation. Our previous study showed that Cdk5 expression and activity is induced during T cell activation, but it is unclear whether CdK5 is implicated in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). In this study, we found that CD4+CD44+ T cells have a higher level of Cdk5 expression. Inhibition of CdK5 by a small molecule inhibitor (roscovitine) led to the decrease in the number of activated CD4+CD44+ T lymphocytes, which coincided with increased T cell apoptosis. We observed increased expression and activity of CdK5, p35 (and its cleaved product p25) in the eyes and lymphocytes of C57BL/6 mice induced to develop EAU by immunization with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein peptide 1-20 (IRBP1-20). In addition, roscovitine significantly suppressed proliferation of and cytokine production in T cells from mice with the disease in vitro. These results demonstrate that CdK5 plays a critical role in T cell activation during the pathogenesis of uveitis and suggests that targeting CdK5 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating T cell-mediated uveitis.

Integrated glycoproteomics demonstrates fucosylated serum paraoxonase 1 alterations in small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive type of lung cancer, and the detection of SCLCs at an early stage is necessary for successful therapy and for improving cancer survival rates. Fucosylation is one of the most common glycosylation-based modifications. Increased levels of fucosylation have been reported in a number of pathological conditions, including cancers. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate the aberrant and selective fucosylated glycoproteins in the sera of patients with SCLC. Fucosylated glycoproteins were enriched by the Aleuria aurantia lectin column after serum albumin and IgG depletion. In a narrowed down and comparative data analysis of both label-free proteomics and isobaric peptide-tagging chemistry iTRAQ approaches, the fucosylated glycoproteins were identified as up- or down-regulated in the sera of limited disease and extensive disease stage patients with SCLC. Verification was performed by multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry to select reliable markers. Four fucosylated proteins, APCS, C9, SERPINA4, and PON1, were selected and subsequently validated by hybrid A. aurantia lectin ELISA (HLE) and Western blotting. Compared with Western blotting, the HLE analysis of these four proteins produced more optimal diagnostic values for SCLC. The PON1 protein levels were significantly reduced in the sera of patients with SCLC, whereas the fucosylation levels of PON1 were significantly increased. Fucosylated PON1 exhibited an area under curve of 0.91 for the extensive disease stage by HLE, whereas the PON1 protein levels produced an area under curve of 0.82 by Western blot. The glycan structural analysis of PON1 by MS/MS identified a biantennary fucosylated glycan modification consisting of a core + 2HexNAc + 1Fuc at increased levels in the sera of patients with SCLC. In addition, the PON1 levels were decreased in the sera of the Lewis lung carcinoma lung cancer mouse model that we examined. Our data suggest that fucosylated protein biomarkers, such as PON1, and their fucosylation levels and patterns can serve as diagnostic and prognostic serological markers for SCLC.

A simple novel endoscopic successive suture device: a validation study for closure strength and reproducibility

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic surgical technology has been developing rapidly. Although several successful endoscopic closure devices have already been introduced, only a few of them have demonstrated improvements in closure strength and reproducibility over conventional endoscopic clip closures or hand sutures. The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of a novel successive suturing device (SSD) by measuring closure strength and reproducibility.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Porcine stomach models were used in this study. Endoclips, full-thickness hand sutures, and the novel SSD sutures were used to close a perforation in the stomach wall, with 10 stomachs being tested for each closure method. Endoclips and SSD sutures were performed using a two-channel endoscope, and the hand sutures were performed from outside of the stomach wall. Air leakage pressure was measured to determine the closure strength and reproducibility of each method.

RESULTS

The mean air leakage pressure of the SSD closure was 62.7 ± 8.2 mmHg. SSD-treated stomachs exhibited significantly greater air leakage pressure than Endoclip-treated stomachs. The standard deviation of bursting pressure in SSD stomachs was found to be significantly smaller than that of hand-sewn stomachs but was not different from that of Endoclip stomachs.

CONCLUSIONS

The consistent closure strength of SSD stomachs demonstrated the reliability and reproducibility of this new closure method. These promising results in closure strength and reproducibility suggest the feasibility of the proposed device for clinical applications.

Digestible and metabolizable energy concentrations in copra meal, palm kernel meal, and cassava root fed to growing pigs

An experiment was conducted to measure DE and ME in copra (Cocos nucifera) meal (CM), palm kernel meal (PKM), and cassava (Manihot esculenta) root (CR) in growing pigs. Eight boars with an initial BW of 67.3 ± 5.8 kg were individually housed in metabolism crates that were equipped with a feeder and a nipple drinker. A replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design was used with 4 dietary treatments, 4 periods, and 8 animals. A basal diet mainly contained corn (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) meal. Three additional diets were formulated to contain 30% of CM, PKM, and CR. All diets contained the same proportion of corn:soybean meal ratio at 4.14:1. The apparent total tract digestibility of energy was 89.5, 84.1, 82.4, and 87.9% (P < 0.001) in the basal, CM, PKM, and CR diets, respectively. The DE in CM and PKM were greater (P < 0.05) than in CR (3440 and 3238 vs. 2966 kcal/kg as-fed). The ME in CM was greater (P < 0.05) than in CR (3340 vs. 2935 kcal/kg as-fed) but not different from the ME in PKM (3168 kcal/kg as-fed). In conclusion, CM and PKM have a higher DE value than CR, and CM has a higher ME value than CR.

Crystal structure of human cytosolic aspartyl-tRNA synthetase, a component of multi-tRNA synthetase complex

Human cytosolic aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (DRS) catalyzes the attachment of the amino acid aspartic acid to its cognate tRNA and it is a component of the multi-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC) which has been known to be involved in unexpected signaling pathways. Here, we report the crystal structure of DRS at a resolution of 2.25 Å. DRS is a homodimer with a dimer interface of 3750.5 Ų which comprises 16.6% of the monomeric surface area. Our structure reveals the C-terminal end of the N-helix which is considered as a unique addition in DRS, and its conformation further supports the switching model of the N-helix for the transfer of tRNA^Asp to elongation factor 1α. From our analyses of the crystal structure and post-translational modification of DRS, we suggest that the phosphorylation of Ser146 provokes the separation of DRS from the MSC and provides the binding site for an interaction partner with unforeseen functions.

Comparison of values for standardized total tract digestibility and relative bioavailability of phosphorus in dicalcium phosphate and distillers dried grains with solubles fed to growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to compare values for the standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) and the relative bioavailability of P in dicalcium phosphate (DCP) and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) when fed to growing pigs. In Exp. 1, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), the basal endogenous P loss (EPL), and the STTD of P in DCP and DDGS were determined. Eighteen pigs (initial BW: 34.93±1.04 kg) were allotted to 3 cornstarch-based diets in a randomized complete block design and housed individually in metabolism cages. Two diets contained DCP and DDGS, respectively, as the sole source of P and the last diet was a P-free diet that was used to measure EPL from the pigs. Results indicated that the ATTD of P in DCP and DDGS were 86.1 and 58.8%, respectively, and the STTD of P in DCP and DDGS were 93.1 and 63.1%, respectively. The EPL was determined at 174 mg/kg DMI. In Exp. 2, 42 pigs (initial BW: 29.02±2.03 kg) were allotted to 7 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. Pigs were housed individually and allowed ad libitum access to feed and water. A basal diet (0.22% P) based on corn, casein, cornstarch, and potato protein concentrate was formulated. Three additional diets were formulated by adding 0.04, 0.08, or 0.12% P from DCP to the basal diet to create diets containing 0.26, 0.30, or 0.34% P. The last 3 diets were formulated by adding 0.04, 0.08, or 0.12% P from DDGS to the basal diet at the expense of cornstarch. Pigs were fed experimental diets for 28 d. They were then euthanized and the third and fourth metacarpals from the right front foot were collected. Metacarpal bone ash and bone P were regressed against P intake for each ingredient and via slope ratio methodology, it was determined that the bioavailability of P in DDGS was 87% relative to that in DCP. It was concluded from this work that the value for relative bioavailability of P in DDGS overestimates the digestibility of P in DDGS and values for the STTD of P, therefore, can not be accurately calculated from values for the relative bioavailability of P. As a consequence, it is necessary to determine the STTD of P in feed ingredients included in diets fed to pigs.

Prediction of response to entecavir therapy in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B based on on-treatment HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA levels

Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) assays are emerging as effective tools of on-treatment predictors of response to antiviral agents, in addition to monitoring serum HBV DNA levels. However, the dynamic relationship between quantitative HBsAg, as well as HBeAg and HBV DNA, and the predictability of subsequent clinical outcomes during entecavir (ETV) therapy remain unclear. Eighty-two patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) received ETV therapy for ≥3 years. Virologic response (VR) after 3 years of ETV therapy was achieved in 73 (89.0%) patients. Among baseline and on-treatment factors, on-treatment HBV DNA levels performed better with respect to the prediction of response than HBsAg and HBeAg levels. Especially, the performance of absolute values of HBV DNA with respect to response was superior to HBV DNA decline from the baseline. The best predictive value was an absolute HBV DNA level of 2.3 log(10) IU/mL at month 6 (areas under the curve [AUROC], 0.977; 95% CI, 0.940-1.000; P < 0.001). HBeAg seroconversion after 3 years of therapy was achieved in 26 (31.7%) patients. On-treatment HBeAg levels performed better with respect to the prediction of seroconversion than HBsAg and HBV DNA levels. The best cut-off value for the HBeAg level at month 12 for the prediction of seroconversion was 0.62 log(10) PEIU/mL. Although the HBsAg level at baseline is often used to predict the antiviral potency of entecavir, on-treatment HBV DNA and HBeAg levels are more helpful for prediction of subsequent clinical outcomes in HBeAg-positive CHB patients with entecavir treatment.

Prediction of response to entecavir therapy in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B based on on-treatment HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA levels

Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) assays are emerging as effective tools of on-treatment predictors of response to antiviral agents, in addition to monitoring serum HBV DNA levels. However, the dynamic relationship between quantitative HBsAg, as well as HBeAg and HBV DNA, and the predictability of subsequent clinical outcomes during entecavir (ETV) therapy remain unclear. Eighty-two patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) received ETV therapy for ≥3 years. Virologic response (VR) after 3 years of ETV therapy was achieved in 73 (89.0%) patients. Among baseline and on-treatment factors, on-treatment HBV DNA levels performed better with respect to the prediction of response than HBsAg and HBeAg levels. Especially, the performance of absolute values of HBV DNA with respect to response was superior to HBV DNA decline from the baseline. The best predictive value was an absolute HBV DNA level of 2.3 log(10) IU/mL at month 6 (areas under the curve [AUROC], 0.977; 95% CI, 0.940-1.000; P < 0.001). HBeAg seroconversion after 3 years of therapy was achieved in 26 (31.7%) patients. On-treatment HBeAg levels performed better with respect to the prediction of seroconversion than HBsAg and HBV DNA levels. The best cut-off value for the HBeAg level at month 12 for the prediction of seroconversion was 0.62 log(10) PEIU/mL. Although the HBsAg level at baseline is often used to predict the antiviral potency of entecavir, on-treatment HBV DNA and HBeAg levels are more helpful for prediction of subsequent clinical outcomes in HBeAg-positive CHB patients with entecavir treatment.