Consequences of urban pollution upon skin status. A controlled study in Shanghai area

OBJECTIVE

After preliminary studies aimed at measuring pertinent biochemical parameters, potentially modified in subjects exposed to bad environmental conditions, a dedicated study was performed in Shanghai city to evaluate the effect of Urban pollution upon human skin and to collect feedback from the volunteers under study.

METHODS

This study was performed during summer 2008 in two different districts of Shanghai, on 159 local residents: 79 subjects from Xu Jia Hui (a centre Shanghainese area), more exposed to pollution, and 80 subjects from Chong Ming, an agricultural region closely located north of Shanghai (<100 kms) and less exposed to pollution, according to official data. Biochemical parameters were measured on skin, and feedback from volunteers was collected through a graduated 'Likert scale' questionnaire under a point scale (strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree and none).

RESULTS

The study demonstrated significant differences in several biochemical parameters measured in Chong Ming area, as compared to Urban area, with an increased ratio of squalene/lipids, a lower level of lactic acid and a better cohesion of stratum corneum. Both sebum excretion rate and sebum casual levels did not differ between the two districts. The volunteer's feedback evidenced a perceived link between pollution and their skin problems.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated a significant impact of the pollution upon the skin status, as illustrated by changes in superficial biochemical parameters and volunteers' perception.

Direct visualization of the novel pathogen, Spiroplasma eriocheiris, in the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard) using fluorescence in situ hybridization

Spiroplasma eriocheiris is the first spiroplasma strain known to be pathogenic to freshwater crustaceans. It has caused considerable economic losses both in the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard) and in some other crustaceans. The monitoring of the pathogen in crustacean populations and study of its behaviour in the laboratory require the development of reliable diagnostic tools. In this article, we improved microscopic identification of S. eriocheiris by combining in situ hybridization with specific fluorescently labelled oligonucleotide probes. The established fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) allowed simultaneous visualization, identification and localization of S. eriocheiris in the tissues of diseased crayfish P. clarkii and exhibited low background autofluorescence and ideal signal-to-noise ratio. With the advantages of better tissue penetration, potentially more specific and stable, we designed three species-specific oligonucleotide probes utilizing the sequences of 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer regions (ISRs) of S. eriocheiris. Positive hybridization signals were visualized in haemocytes and connective tissues of hepatopancreas, cardiac muscle and gill from diseased crayfish. This unique distribution pattern matched the pathological changes when diagnosed by H&E staining and indicated that S. eriocheiris probably spread throughout the tissues in P. clarkii by hemokinesis. This assay will facilitate our understanding of the pathogenesis of S. eriocheiris and enhance the early diagnosis of the novel pathogen.

Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 induced HDAC2 expression and reduced NF-κB p65 expression in a rat model of OVA-induced asthma

Recent evidence indicates that a deficiency of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25[OH]₂D₃) may influence asthma pathogenesis; however, its roles in regulating specific molecular transcription mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ on the expression and enzyme activity of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and its synergistic effects with dexamethasone (Dx) in the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine secretion in a rat asthma model. Healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control, asthma, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ pretreatment, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment, Dx treatment, and Dx and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ treatment. Pulmonary inflammation was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge (OVA/OVA). Inflammatory cells and cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and histological changes in lung tissue were examined. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and HDAC2 expression levels were assessed with Western blot analyses and quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Enzyme activity measurements and immunohistochemical detection of HDAC2 were also performed. Our data demonstrated that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ reduced the airway inflammatory response and the level of inflammatory cytokines in BAL. Although NF-κB p65 expression was attenuated in the pretreatment and treatment groups, the expression and enzyme activity of HDAC2 were increased. In addition, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and Dx had synergistic effects on the suppression of total cell infusion, cytokine release, and NF-κB p65 expression, and they also increased HDAC2 expression and activity in OVA/OVA rats. Collectively, our results indicated that 1,25(OH)₂D₃might be useful as a novel HDAC2 activator in the treatment of asthma.

Negative regulation of the p300-p53 interplay by DDX24

Numerous studies indicate that p300 acts as a key transcriptional cofactor in vivo, at least, in part, through modulating activities of p53 by acetylation. Nevertheless, the regulation of the p53-p300 interplay is not completely understood. Here, we have identified the DEAD box RNA helicase DDX24 as a novel regulator of the p300-p53 axis. We found that DDX24 interacts with p300, and this interaction leads to suppression of p300 mediated acetylation of p53. Notably, RNAi-mediated knockdown of endogenous DDX24 significantly increases the acetylation levels of endogenous p53 in human cancer cells and subsequently promotes p53-mediated activation of its transcriptional targets such as p21 and PUMA. In contrast, DDX24 expression inhibits the p300-p53 interaction and suppresses p300-mediated acetylation of p53. Moreover, DDX24 is overexpressed in human cancer cells and reduction of DDX24 protein levels by RNAi induces cell cycle arrest and senescence in a p53 dependent manner. These results reveal DDX24 as an important regulator of p300 and suggest that the modulation of the p53-p300 interplay by DDX24 is critical in controlling p53 activities in human cancer cells.

Detection of QTc interval prolongation using jacket telemetry in conscious non-human primates: comparison with implanted telemetry

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

During repeat-dose toxicity studies, ECGs are collected from chemically or physically-restrained animals over a short timeframe. This is problematic due to cardiovascular changes caused by manual restraint stress and anesthesia, and limited ECG sampling. These factors confound data interpretation, but may be overcome by using a non-invasive jacket-based ECG collection (JET). The current study investigated whether a jacketed external telemetry system could detect changes in cardiac intervals and heart rate in non-human primates (NHPs), previously implanted with a PCT transmitter.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Twelve male cynomolgus monkeys were treated weekly with vehicle or sotalol (8, 16, 32 mg kg⁻¹) p.o. ECGs were collected continuously for 24 hours, following treatment, over 4 weeks. A satellite group of six NHPs was used for sotalol toxicokinetics.

KEY RESULTS

Sotalol attained Cmax values 1-3 hours after dosing, and exhibited dose-proportional exposure. In jacketed NHPs, sotalol dose-dependently increased QT/QTc intervals, prolonged PR interval, and reduced heart rate. Significant QTc prolongation of 27, 54 and 76 msec was detected by JET after 8, 16, and 32 mg kg⁻¹ sotalol, respectively, compared with time-matched vehicle-treated animals. Overall, JET-derived PR, QT, QTc intervals, QRS duration, and heart rate correlated well with those derived from PCT.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The current findings clearly support the use of JET to quantify cardiac interval and rhythm changes, capable of detecting QTc prolongation caused by sotalol. JET may be a preferred method compared to restraint-based ECG because high-density ECG sampling can be collected in unstressed conscious monkeys, over several weeks.

Effects of common polymorphisms rs2910164 in miR-146a and rs11614913 in miR-196a2 on susceptibility to colorectal cancer: a systematic review meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Emerging evidence has shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms occurred in microRNAs may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). rs2910164 in miR-146a and rs11614913 in miR-196a2 are suggested to be associated with the susceptibility to CRC, but individually published studies revealed inconclusive results. To systematically summarize the possible correlationship between these polymorphisms and CRC risk, we performed this meta-analysis.

METHODS

We retrieved the relevant articles of the associations between these two microRNA polymorphisms and susceptibility to CRC for the period up to July 1, 2013. A total of seven articles were identified with 2,143 cases and 2,457 controls for miR-146a rs2910164, 1,594 cases and 2,252 controls for miR-196a2 rs11614913. Odds ratio and 95 % confidence interval were calculated to investigate the strength of the association.

RESULTS

The pooled analysis showed that miR-146a rs2910164 did not reveal any correlation with CRC susceptibility. However, a decreased risk was observed between miR-196a2 rs11614913 and CRC in all genetic models.

CONCLUSION

Our current meta-analysis demonstrates that miR-196a2 rs11614913 most likely contributes to decreased risk of CRC, whereas miR-146a rs2910164 may not be associated with the susceptibility to CRC.

Adolescents and young adults with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes demonstrate greater carotid intima-media thickness than those with Type 1 diabetes

AIM

To compare the carotid intima-media thickness in patients with newly diagnosed Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes ranging from 14 to 30 years of age.

METHODS

Demographic, anthropometric and laboratory data were obtained from 404 adolescents and young adults (103 subjects with Type 1 diabetes, 94 with Type 2 diabetes, 153 obese subjects and 54 normal control subjects). Carotid intima-media thickness was assessed based on Doppler ultrasound examination and compared among the four groups.

RESULTS

Our data showed significant increases in carotid intima-media thickness in subjects with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and obese subjects compared with the control subjects, with those in the group with Type 2 diabetes demonstrating the greatest change (P < 0.001). Age, BMI, percentage of fat, waist-hip ratio and total triglycerides were significantly correlated with both common and internal carotid intima-media thickness segments. From a stepwise multiple linear regression model, the independent determinants of common carotid intima-media thickness were age, BMI, HbA1c and HDL cholesterol (adjusted R(2)  = 0.152, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex and HbA1c , the odds ratio for increased carotid intima-media thickness was 1.67 (95% CI 1.19-2.33, P = 0.003) for obese subjects, 2.38 (95% CI 1.59-9.47, P = 0.001) for subjects with Type 1 diabetes and 3.93 (95% CI 1.90-6.07, P = 0001) for subjects with Type 2 diabetes compared with the control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with young control subjects, we found significant increases in carotid intima-media thickness in patients with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, with patients with Type 2 diabetes showing greater carotid intima-media thickness. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and hyperglycaemia, could cause vessel changes even in adolescents and young adults.

Histone modifications of Notch1 promoter affect lung CD4+ T cell differentiation in asthmatic rats

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways, and the current treatment in managing asthma is the control of inflammation. Notch signaling pathway has been linked to T-cell imbalance. The present study aimed to explore the histone modifications of Notch1 promoter in normal and asthmatic lung CD4+ T cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that the acetylation levels of total H3, H4, site-specific H3K9, H3K14, H3K27, H3K18, H4K16, and the trimethylation levels of H3K4, H3K79 of Notch1 gene promoter were increased significantly in asthmatic lung CD4+ T cells compared to the control group, which correlated with increased P300, PCAF activity and decreased HDAC1, HDAC2 activity. After intervention of garcinol, a potent inhibitor of histone acetyltransferases, in asthmatic lung CD4+ T cells, HAT activity decreased significantly and the increased Notch1 and hes-1 expression was reversed. The total H3ac, H4ac, site-specific H3K9ac, H3K14ac, H3K27ac, H3K18ac, H4K16ac and H3K79me3 levels of Notch1 gene promoter decreased significantly, and the H3K4me3, H3K9me3, H4K20me3 levels had no significant difference. We further investigated the suppressive effects of GAR on asthmatic parameters. Results showed that the levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were significantly reduced and a small reverse trend was found in the level of IFN-g after GAR treatment. Furthermore, the expression of NF-&#954;B and AP-1 reduced significantly. These results suggest that asthma is associated with changes in the epigenetic status of Notch1 promoter, including abnormal histone acetylation and methylation, and GAR may have applications in the treatment of asthma.

Meta-analysis of 74,046 individuals identifies 11 new susceptibility loci for Alzheimer's disease

Eleven susceptibility loci for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) were identified by previous studies; however, a large portion of the genetic risk for this disease remains unexplained. We conducted a large, two-stage meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in individuals of European ancestry. In stage 1, we used genotyped and imputed data (7,055,881 SNPs) to perform meta-analysis on 4 previously published GWAS data sets consisting of 17,008 Alzheimer's disease cases and 37,154 controls. In stage 2, 11,632 SNPs were genotyped and tested for association in an independent set of 8,572 Alzheimer's disease cases and 11,312 controls. In addition to the APOE locus (encoding apolipoprotein E), 19 loci reached genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10(-8)) in the combined stage 1 and stage 2 analysis, of which 11 are newly associated with Alzheimer's disease.

The efficacy of metformin in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of clinical trials

OBJECTIVES

The role of metformin in the treatment of pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is controversial. Therefore, we evaluated whether the use of metformin during pregnancy in women with PCOS could reduce pregnancy-related complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

MEDLINE was searched to retrieve relevant trials. In addition, reviews and reference lists of the retrieved articles were scanned for further appropriate studies. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of complications of pregnancy, which included early pregnancy loss (EPL), gestational diabetes (GDM), pre-eclampsia (PE), and pre-term delivery (PD).

RESULTS

In total, eight studies with 1106 patients were included. The pooled odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) of outcome for pregnant women with PCOS prescribed metformin were 0.32 (0.19-0.55) for EPL, 0.37 (0.25-0.56) for GDM, 0.53 (0.30-0.95) for PE and 0.30 (0.13-0.68) for PD.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin therapy throughout pregnancy decreased the OR of EPL, GDM, PE, and PD in pregnant PCOS women with no serious detrimental side effects.

HLA-G regulates the invasive properties of JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells by controlling STAT3 activation

The expression of human leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) in trophoblasts plays a crucial role in successful embryonic implantation, and reduced HLA-G expression might contribute to adverse obstetric outcomes. In this study, we silenced HLA-G expression using RNA interference in JEG-3 cells, resulting in a notably attenuated invasion capacity of the cells in a Transwell assay; however, no alterations in cell proliferation or apoptosis were observed. The down-regulation of HLA-G dampened the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), whereas the up-regulation of HLA-G promoted STAT3 activation and invasion in JEG-3 cells treated with human galectin-1. Most importantly, interleukin-6 (IL-6), but not galectin-1, was shown to rescue invasion deficiency in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, we demonstrate that HLA-G is able to regulate JEG-3 cell invasion by influencing STAT3 activation, which may underlie the implantation defects accompanying HLA-G hypo-expression in pre-eclampsia.

[Analysis of circulating lung cancer cells in the peripheral blood in patients with lung cancer by flow cytometry]

BACKGROUND

To analyze circulating lung cancer cells in the peripheral blood in patients with lung cancer by flow cytometry (FCM).

METHODS

The monocyte fraction in peripheral blood was isolated by Ficoll-Hypaque gradient centrifugation. The cells obtained were labeled with antibodies against CD45, cytokeratin (CK) and antigen (2F7/S5A). The CD45(-) CK(+) 2F7/S5A(+) cells were analyzed by FCM.

RESULTS

Fifty cases out of 165 patients with lung cancer (30.30%) were found to have cancer cells in the peripheral blood. Positive rate in non-small cell lung cancer was 30.67%(45/150) and that in small cell lung cancer was 33.33%(5/15) respectively. Meanwhile, there was distinct correlation between detective rate of cancer cells in the peripheral blood and pathological stage(P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Examination of lung cancer presented in the peripheral blood by FCM might be helpful for staging and finding metastatic potential of lung cancer.

Study of hole-injecting properties in efficient, stable, and simplified phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes by impedance spectroscopy

Simplified phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) using only two kinds of hosts and comprising either a neat MoO(x) hole-injecting layer (HIL) or a MoO(x)-doped 4,4'-bis(carbazol-9-yl)biphenyl (CBP) HIL were studied. The devices having the MoO(x)-doped CBP HIL are superior to the device having the neat MoO(x) HIL in terms of power efficiency and operational lifetime. Impedance spectroscopy studies revealed that both the reduced hole-injecting barrier height at the anode/doped HIL interface and the reduced bulk resistivity in the doped CBP HIL contribute to the improvement in electroluminescence characteristics. When increasing the MoO(x) volume percentage from 5 to 10% and then to 20%, the hole-injecting barrier height is decreased from 0.63 eV to 0.36 eV and then to 0.18 eV. The power efficiency of the device with a 20 vol % of MoO(x)-doped CBP HIL is more than two times that of the device with a neat MoO(x) HIL measured at a driven current of 5 mA/cm(2). Moreover, the lifetime of the device with a 20 vol % of MoO(x)-doped CBP HIL is more than three times that of the device with a neat MoO(x) HIL estimated at an initial luminance of 1000 cd/m(2). The MoO(x)-doped HIL further ensures the feasibility of the simplified phosphorescent OLEDs for potential applications.

Relationships between hair growth rate and morphological parameters of human straight hair: a same law above ethnical origins?

After measurement of individual growth rates, natural hair fibres from Asian and Caucasian subjects were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. In total, more than 1000 hairs were analysed. Measurements of diameter, medulla and interscale distance (average distance between two successive cuticle scales) show these parameters strongly correlated with hair growth rate. A thicker hair fibre corresponds to a faster growth rate, a shorter interscale distance and greater probability to have a medulla, and vice versa, a thin hair fibre shows slower growth rate, a larger interscale distance and a lower probability to have a medulla. Very interestingly, this finding appears to be unrelated to the ethnic origin of the subjects, suggesting a common characteristic of human hair, at least for the straight or semi-straight hair studied. From a practical viewpoint, this finding clearly suggests an alternative method for measuring hair growth rates, by measuring the interscale distance, which appears easier than using common laboratory equipments.