Contrasting Influences of Geographic Range and Distribution of Populations on Patterns of Genetic Diversity in Two Sympatric Pilbara Acacias

The influence of geographic range on species persistence has long been of interest and there is a need for a better understanding of the genetic consequences for species with restricted distributions, particularly with the increasing rate of global species extinctions. However, the genetic effects of restricted range are often confounded by the impacts of population distribution. We compared chloroplast and nuclear genetic diversity and differentiation in two acacias, the restricted, patchily distributed Acacia atkinsiana and the widespread, semi-continuously distributed A. ancistrocarpa. Lower intra-population diversity and higher differentiation between populations were seen in A. atkinsiana compared to its widespread congener, A. ancistrocarpa. There was little evidence of geographical influences on population genetic structure in A. ancistrocarpa whereas A. atkinsiana exhibited nuclear genetic structure with isolation by distance, differentiation of near-coastal populations from those in the ranges, and differentiation of peripheral populations from those in the centre of the distribution. These results are consistent with expectations of the effect of geographic range and population distribution on genetic diversity, but indicate that distribution of populations rather than geographic range has influenced the observed genetic structure. The contrasting patterns observed here demonstrate that conservation approaches for species management and ecological restoration need to consider the distribution of populations in geographically restricted species.

Risk Factors for Ischemic Complications following Pipeline Embolization Device Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: Results from the IntrePED Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Risk factors for acute ischemic stroke following flow-diverter treatment of intracranial aneurysms are poorly understood. Using the International Retrospective Study of Pipeline Embolization Device (IntrePED) registry, we studied demographic, aneurysm, and procedural characteristics associated with postoperative acute ischemic stroke following Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified patients in the IntrePED registry with post-PED-treatment acute ischemic stroke. The rate of postoperative acute ischemic stroke was determined by demographics, comorbidities, aneurysm characteristics, and procedure characteristics (including anticoagulation use, platelet testing, number of devices used, sheaths, and so forth). Categoric variables were compared with χ(2) testing, and continuous variables were compared with the Student t test. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained by using univariate logistic regression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine which factors were independently associated with postoperative stroke.

RESULTS

Of 793 patients with 906 aneurysms, 36 (4.5%) patients had acute ischemic stroke. Twenty-six (72.2%) strokes occurred within 30 days of treatment (median, 3.5 days; range, 0-397 days). Ten patients died, and the remaining 26 had major neurologic morbidity. Variables associated with higher odds of acute ischemic stroke on univariate analysis included male sex, hypertension, treatment of MCA aneurysms, treatment of fusiform aneurysms, treatment of giant aneurysms, and use of multiple PEDs. However, on multivariate analysis, the only one of these variables independently associated with stroke was treatment of fusiform aneurysms (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.11-6.75; P = .03). Fusiform aneurysms that were associated with stroke were significantly larger than those not associated with stroke (mean, 24.5 ± 12.5 mm versus 13.6 ± 6.8 mm; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ischemic stroke following PED treatment is an uncommon-but-devastating complication. Fusiform aneurysms were the only variable independently associated with postoperative stroke.

Establishment of reference values of α-tocopherol in plasma, red blood cells and adipose tissue in healthy children to improve the management of chylomicron retention disease, a rare genetic hypocholesterolemia

Background

Chylomicron retention disease (CMRD), a rare genetic hypocholesterolemia, results in neuro-ophtalmologic damages, which can be prevented by high doses of vitamin E during infancy. In these patients, plasma vitamin E concentration is significantly reduced due to defects of chylomicron secretion. Vitamin E in adipose tissue (AT) and red blood cells (RBC) have been proposed as potential relevant biomarkers of vitamin E status but no reference values in children are available. The objectives were (i) to establish age-reference intervals in healthy children for α-tocopherol in plasma, red blood cells (RBC) and adipose tissue (AT) and (ii) to determine the variations of α-tocopherol in patients with CMRD after oral treatment with vitamin E.

Methods

This prospective study included 166 healthy children (1 month - 18 years) and 4 patients with CMRD. Blood and AT were collected in healthy children during a scheduled surgery and in patients before and after a 4-month treatment with α-tocopherol acetate.

Results

The reference ranges for α-tocopherol were 11.9 - 30 μmol/L in plasma, 2.0 - 7.8 μmol/L packed cells in RBC and 60 - 573 nmol/g in AT. α-tocopherol levels in plasma correlated with those of RBC (r = 0.31; p < 0.01).

In patients with CMRD after 4 months treatment, α-tocopherol concentrations remained less than 70 % of the control values in plasma, increased by 180 % to reach normal values in RBC, and remained stable in the normal range in AT.

Conclusion

This study establishes pediatric reference intervals for α-tocopherol in plasma, RBC and AT. These values will be beneficial in assessing accurate α-tocopherol status in children and to optimize the monitoring of rare diseases such as CMRD. Our data suggest that RBC α-tocopherol, appears as a relevant biomarker to appreciate the effectiveness of treatment with α-tocopherol in patients with a rare primary hypocholesterolemia. The biopsy of AT could be used at diagnosis to assess the severity of the vitamin E deficiency and periodically after a long duration of vitamin E therapy to assess whether the treatment is effective, based on reference intervals defined in this study.

Longitudinal circulating concentrations of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the third trimester of pregnancy in gestational diabetes

AIM

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common complication of pregnancy. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are essential for fetal neurodevelopment. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the predominant n-3 LCPUFA in the brain and retina. Circulating absolute concentrations of total n-3 and n-6 LCPUFAs rise during normal pregnancy. It remains unclear whether gestational diabetes may affect the normal rise in circulating concentrations of LCPUFAs in the third trimester of pregnancy - a period of rapid fetal neurodevelopment. This study aimed to address this question.

METHODS

In a prospective singleton pregnancy cohort, fatty acids in fasting plasma total lipids were measured at 24-28 and 32-35 weeks of gestation in women with (n = 24) and without gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 116). Fatty acid desaturase activity indices were estimated by relevant product-to-precursor fatty acid ratios. Dietary nutrient intakes were estimated by a food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS

Plasma absolute concentrations of total n-6 LCPUFAs rose significantly between 24-28 and 32-35 weeks of gestation in women with or without gestational diabetes, whereas total n-3 LCPUFAs and DHA concentrations rose significantly only in women without gestational diabetes (all P < 0.01). Delta-5 desaturase indices (20:4n-6/20:3n-6) were similar, but delta-6 desaturase indices (18:3n-6/18:2n-6) were significantly lower in women with gestational diabetes at 32-35 weeks of gestation. Dietary intakes of all fatty acids were comparable.

CONCLUSION

The normal rise in circulating absolute concentrations of DHA and total n-3 LCPUFAs in the third trimester of pregnancy may be compromised in gestational diabetes, probably due to impaired synthesis or mobilization rather than dietary intake difference.

Adiposity in Children and CVD Risk: ApoB48 Has a Stronger Association With Central Fat Than Classic Lipid Markers

CONTEXT

Atherosclerotic vascular disease begins in childhood and while progression is multifactorial, obesity in early life is an important risk factor for its development.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether fasting apoB48 remnant lipoproteins (relative to classic lipid markers), is elevated with increasing central adiposity over time in a cohort of Canadian children with a family history of obesity.

DESIGN

Data were drawn from the ongoing prospective cohort of 630 Caucasian families in Québec, Canada, recruited to assess determinants and effects of childhood obesity (Québec Adiposity and Lifestyle Investigation in Youth [QUALITY]cohort).

PARTICIPANTS

Children who attended baseline and first followup clinic visits (n =570; age 9.6 y).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Trunk fat mass was determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Central fat mass index was calculated as CFMI = trunk fat mass/height(2) (kg/m(2)) and groups created (CFMI <1.5; 1.5-3.0; ≥3.0 kg/m(2)) to suggest lower, moderate, or higher central adiposity. Changes over time in outcomes (apoB48, triglyceride and total, low-, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were compared using paired t test and multiple regression that adjusted for age, sex, and Tanner stage.

RESULTS

Classic lipid markers (total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) improved at followup, whereas apoB48 became worse (increased). ApoB48 increased with increasing central adiposity, highest (37%) in children who transitioned from lower- to moderate-CFMI groups (ΔapoB48 = 1.5 μg/mL). For every 1 kg/m(2) increase in central adiposity over the 2-y period, an increase in apoB48 was 14-fold greater among children with lower baseline CFMI, compared with higher CFMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased fasting concentrations of apoB48 may be representative of changes in adiposity at lower levels of central fat (early periods of risk).

Modulation of tumor eIF4E by antisense inhibition: A phase I/II translational clinical trial of ISIS 183750-an antisense oligonucleotide against eIF4E-in combination with irinotecan in solid tumors and irinotecan-refractory colorectal cancer

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is a potent oncogene that is found to be dysregulated in 30% of human cancer, including colorectal carcinogenesis (CRC). ISIS 183750 is a second-generation antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) designed to inhibit the production of the eIF4E protein. In preclinical studies we found that EIF4e ASOs reduced expression of EIF4e mRNA and inhibited proliferation of colorectal carcinoma cells. An additive antiproliferative effect was observed in combination with irinotecan. We then performed a clinical trial evaluating this combination in patients with refractory cancer. No dose-limiting toxicities were seen but based on pharmacokinetic data and tolerability the dose of irinotecan was reduced to 160 mg/m(2) biweekly. Efficacy was evaluated in 15 patients with irinotecan-refractory colorectal cancer. The median time of disease control was 22.1 weeks. After ISIS 183750 treatment, peripheral blood levels of eIF4E mRNA were decreased in 13 of 19 patients. Matched pre- and posttreatment tumor biopsies showed decreased eIF4E mRNA levels in five of nine patients. In tumor tissue, the intracellular and stromal presence of ISIS 183750 was detected by IHC in all biopsied patients. Although there were no objective responses stable disease was seen in seven of 15 (47%) patients who were progressing before study entry, six of whom were stable at the time of the week 16 CT scan. We were also able to confirm through mandatory pre- and posttherapy tumor biopsies penetration of the ASO into the site of metastasis.

Tackling Health Inequities and Reducing Obesity Prevalence: The EPODE Community-Based Approach

BACKGROUND

Tackling inequalities in overweight, obesity and related complications has become a top priority for European research and policy agendas. It is well-known that the health message often does not reach disadvantaged populations, a phenomenon that widens health inequalities. Ensemble Prévenons l'Obésité des Enfants (EPODE) methodology is an innovative approach to counteract obesity and improve health equity. EPODE for the Promotion of Health Equity (EPHE) has assessed the impact and sustainability of the EPODE methodology to diminish inequalities in childhood obesity prevention. The current data represent the results of the intermediate measurements that were obtained following EPHE interventions in 7 European communities across different countries.

METHODS

A total of 1,062 children aged 6-8 years and their parents from different socioeconomic backgrounds were observed for 2 years. A self-administrated questionnaire was sent to parents to measure the children's energy balance-related behaviors and their determinants. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test differences between baseline and intermediate measurements for each socioeconomic group.

RESULTS

We observed changes in behaviors (fruit and vegetable consumption, sugary sweetened beverage consumption, screen exposure) and their related determinants, within the low and high education groups, which were associated with identified inequity gaps at baseline. Although statistical significance was not reached in most of the cases, greater improvements in behaviors were evident within the low education groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that, after EPODE interventions, the low socioeconomic groups improved their behavior compared to the other socio-economic groups. This indicates that the EPODE methodology has the capacity not only to reduce obesity prevalence but also to decrease health inequities.

Histone deacetylase inhibition impairs normal intestinal cell proliferation and promotes specific gene expression

Mechanisms that maintain proliferation and delay cell differentiation in the intestinal crypt are not yet fully understood. We have previously shown the implication of histone methylation in the regulation of enterocytic differentiation. In this study, we investigated the role of histone deacetylation as an important epigenetic mechanism that controls proliferation and differentiation of intestinal cells using the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA) on the proliferation and differentiation of human and mouse intestinal cells. Treatment of newly confluent Caco‐2/15 cells with SAHA resulted in growth arrest, increased histone acetylation and up‐regulation of the expression of intestine‐specific genes such as those encoding sucrase‐isomaltase, villin and the ion exchanger SLC26A3. Although SAHA has been recently used in clinical trials for cancer treatment, its effect on normal intestinal cells has not been documented. Analyses of small and large intestines of mice treated with SAHA revealed a repression of crypt cell proliferation and a higher expression of sucrase‐isomaltase in both segments compared to control mice. Expression of SLC26A3 was also significantly up‐regulated in the colons of mice after SAHA administration. Finally, SAHA was also found to strongly inhibit normal human intestinal crypt cell proliferation in vitro. These results demonstrate the important implication of epigenetic mechanisms such as histone acetylation/deacetylation in the regulation of normal intestinal cell fate and proliferation. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2695–2708, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Oxidative conditions prevail in severe IUGR with vascular disease and Doppler anomalies

OBJECTIVE

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and prenatal exposure to oxidative stress are thought to lead to increased risks of cardiovascular disease later in life. The objective of the present study was to document whether cord blood oxidative stress biomarkers vary with the severity of IUGR and of vascular disease in the twin pregnancy model in which both fetuses share the same maternal environment.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study involved dichorionic twin pairs, with one co-twin with IUGR. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in venous cord blood samples from each neonate of 32 twin pairs, and compared, according to severity of IUGR (IUGR <5th percentile), Doppler anomalies of the umbilical artery and early onset IUGR (in the second trimester) of the growth restricted twin.

RESULTS

Oxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins (oxLDL) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were increased proportionally in cases of severe IUGR. OxLDL concentrations were also increased in cases of IUGR with Doppler anomaly.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that severe IUGR, is related to a derangement in redox balance, illustrated by increased venous cord blood oxidative stress biomarkers concentrations. Severe IUGR and IUGR with abnormal Doppler can be translated into conditions with intense oxidative stress.

New Insights In Intestinal Sar1B GTPase Regulation and Role in Cholesterol Homeostasis

Sar1B GTPase is a key component of Coat protein complex II (COPII)-coated vesicles that bud from the endoplasmic reticulum to export newly synthesized proteins. The aims of this study were to determine whether Sar1B responds to lipid regulation and to evaluate its role in cholesterol (CHOL) homeostasis. The influence of lipids on Sar1B protein expression was analyzed in Caco-2/15 cells by Western blot. Our results showed that the presence of CHOL (200 μM) and oleic acid (0.5 mM), bound to albumin, increases Sar1B protein expression. Similarly, supplementation of the medium with micelles composed of taurocholate with monooleylglycerol or oleic acid also stimulated Sar1B expression, but the addition of CHOL (200 μM) to micelle content did not modify its regulation. On the other hand, overexpression of Sar1B impacted on CHOL transport and metabolism in view of the reduced cellular CHOL content along with elevated secretion when incubated with oleic acid-containing micelles for 24 h, thereby disclosing induced CHOL transport. This was accompanied with higher secretion of free- and esterified-CHOL within chylomicrons, which was not the case when oleic acid was replaced with monooleylglycerol or when albumin-bound CHOL was given alone. The aforementioned cellular CHOL depletion was accompanied with a low phosphorylated/non phosphorylated HMG-CoA reductase ratio, indicating elevated enzymatic activity. Combination of Sar1B overexpression with micelle incubation led to reduction in intestinal CHOL transporters (NPC1L1, SR-BI) and metabolic regulators (PCSK9 and LDLR). The present work showed that Sar1B is regulated in a time- and concentration-dependent manner by dietary lipids, suggesting an adaptation to alimentary lipid flux. Our data also suggest that Sar1B overexpression contributes to regulation of CHOL transport and metabolism by facilitating rapid uptake and transport of CHOL.

Lactoferrin, a Pleiotropic Protein in Health and Disease

SIGNIFICANCE

Lactoferrin (Lf) is a nonheme iron-binding glycoprotein strongly expressed in human and bovine milk and it plays many functions during infancy such as iron homeostasis and defense against microorganisms. In humans, Lf is mainly expressed in mucosal epithelial and immune cells. Growing evidence suggests multiple physiological roles for Lf after weaning.

RECENT ADVANCES

The aim of this review is to highlight the recent advances concerning multifunctional Lf activities.

CRITICAL ISSUES

First, we will provide an overview of the mechanisms related to Lf intrinsic synthesis or intestinal absorption as well as its interaction with a wide spectrum of mammalian receptors and distribution in organs and cell types. Second, we will discuss the large variety of its physiological functions such as iron homeostasis, transportation, immune regulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis while specifying the mechanisms of action. Third, we will focus on its recent physiopathology implication in metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additional efforts are necessary before suggesting the potential use of Lf as a diagnostic marker or as a therapeutic tool.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The main sources of Lf in human cardiometabolic disorders should be clarified to identify new perspectives for future research and develop new strategies using Lf in therapeutics. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 24, 813-836.

Retinal lipid and glucose metabolism dictates angiogenesis through the lipid sensor Ffar1

Tissues with high metabolic rates often use lipids, as well as glucose, for energy, conferring a survival advantage during feast and famine. Current dogma suggests that high-energy-consuming photoreceptors depend on glucose. Here we show that the retina also uses fatty acid β-oxidation for energy. Moreover, we identify a lipid sensor, free fatty acid receptor 1 (Ffar1), that curbs glucose uptake when fatty acids are available. Very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr), which is present in photoreceptors and is expressed in other tissues with a high metabolic rate, facilitates the uptake of triglyceride-derived fatty acid. In the retinas of Vldlr(-/-) mice with low fatty acid uptake but high circulating lipid levels, we found that Ffar1 suppresses expression of the glucose transporter Glut1. Impaired glucose entry into photoreceptors results in a dual (lipid and glucose) fuel shortage and a reduction in the levels of the Krebs cycle intermediate α-ketoglutarate (α-KG). Low α-KG levels promotes stabilization of hypoxia-induced factor 1a (Hif1a) and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) by starved Vldlr(-/-) photoreceptors, leading to neovascularization. The aberrant vessels in the Vldlr(-/-) retinas, which invade normally avascular photoreceptors, are reminiscent of the vascular defects in retinal angiomatous proliferation, a subset of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is associated with high vitreous VEGFA levels in humans. Dysregulated lipid and glucose photoreceptor energy metabolism may therefore be a driving force in macular telangiectasia, neovascular AMD and other retinal diseases.

Targeted CFTR gene disruption with zinc-finger nucleases in human intestinal epithelial cells induces oxidative stress and inflammation

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystemic pathology caused by mutations of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene.

OBJECTIVES

As the intestine harbors the greatest number of CFTR transcripts after birth and since CFTR plays a role in glutathione transport, we hypothesized that CFTR deletion might produce oxidative stress (OxS) and inflammation in CF intestinal epithelial cell.

METHODS

CFTR gene was abrogated in Caco-2/15 enterocytes through the zinc-finger nuclease system. Their oxidative and inflammatory characteristics were appreciated under basal conditions and after the treatment with the pro-oxidant iron-ascorbate (Fe/Asc) complex and pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

RESULTS

Intestinal epithelial cells with CFTR knockout spontaneously exhibited an increased lipid peroxidation level, reflected by malondialdehyde overproduction and reduced antioxidant defense characterized by low enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase. CFTR silencing also resulted in elevated protein expression of pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis Factor-α, interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB. Moreover, exaggerated OxS and inflammation processes occurred in CFTR(-/-) cells in response to the addition of Fe/Asc and LPS, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Intestinal Caco-2/15 cells with CFTR deletion, display innate oxidative and inflammatory features while being more sensitive to pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory stimuli. These two pathophysiological processes could be implicated in CF-related intestinal disorders.

Triggering Akkermansia with dietary polyphenols: A new weapon to combat the metabolic syndrome?

The gut and its bacterial colonizers are now well characterized as key players in whole-body metabolism, opening new avenues of research and generating great expectation for new treatments against obesity and its cardiometabolic complications. As diet is the main environmental factor affecting the gut microbiota, it has been suggested that fruits and vegetables, whose consumption is strongly associated with a healthy lifestyle, may carry phytochemicals that could help maintain intestinal homeostasis and metabolic health. We recently demonstrated that oral administration of a cranberry extract rich in polyphenols prevented diet-induced obesity and several detrimental features of the metabolic syndrome in association with a remarkable increase in the abundance of the mucin-degrading bacterium Akkermansia in the gut microbiota of mice. This addendum provides an extended discussion in light of recent discoveries suggesting a mechanistic link between polyphenols and Akkermansia, also contemplating how this unique microorganism may be exploited to fight the metabolic syndrome.

CFTR silencing in pancreatic β-cells reveals a functional impact on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and oxidative stress response

Cystic fibrosis (CF)-related diabetes (CFRD) has become a critical complication that seriously affects the clinical outcomes of CF patients. Although CFRD has emerged as the most common nonpulmonary complication of CF, little is known about its etiopathogenesis. Additionally, whether oxidative stress (OxS), a common feature of CF and diabetes, influences CFRD pathophysiology requires clarification. The main objective of this study was to shed light on the role of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in combination with OxS in insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. CFTR silencing was accomplished in MIN6 cells by stable expression of small hairpin RNAs (shRNA), and glucose-induced insulin secretion was evaluated in the presence and absence of the valuable prooxidant system iron/ascorbate (Fe/Asc; 0.075/0.75 mM) along with or without the antioxidant Trolox (1 mM). Insulin output from CFTR-silenced MIN6 cells was significantly reduced (∼ 70%) at basal and at different glucose concentrations compared with control Mock cells. Furthermore, CFTR silencing rendered MIN6 cells more sensitive to OxS as evidenced by both increased lipid peroxides and weakened antioxidant defense, especially following incubation with Fe/Asc. The decreased insulin secretion in CFTR-silenced MIN6 cells was associated with high levels of NF-κB (the major participant in inflammatory responses), raised apoptosis, and diminished ATP production in response to the Fe/Asc challenge. However, these defects were alleviated by the addition of Trolox, thereby pointing out the role of OxS in aggravating the effects of CFTR deficiency. Our findings indicate that CFTR deficiency in combination with OxS may contribute to endocrine cell dysfunction and insulin secretion, which at least in part may explain the development of CFRD.

Gene expression profiling in necrotizing enterocolitis reveals pathways common to those reported in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most frequent life-threatening gastrointestinal disease experienced by premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. The challenge for neonatologists is to detect early clinical manifestations of NEC. One strategy would be to identify specific markers that could be used as early diagnostic tools to identify preterm infants most at risk of developing NEC or in the event of a diagnostic dilemma of suspected disease. As a first step in this direction, we sought to determine the specific gene expression profile of NEC.

METHODS

Deep sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to establish the gene expression profiles in ileal samples obtained from preterm infants diagnosed with NEC and non-NEC conditions. Data were analyzed with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and ToppCluster softwares.

RESULTS

Data analysis indicated that the most significant functional pathways over-represented in NEC neonates were associated with immune functions, such as altered T and B cell signaling, B cell development, and the role of pattern recognition receptors for bacteria and viruses. Among the genes that were strongly modulated in neonates with NEC, we observed a significant degree of similarity when compared with those reported in Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene expression profile analysis revealed a predominantly altered immune response in the intestine of NEC neonates. Moreover, comparative analysis between NEC and Crohn's disease gene expression repertoires revealed a surprisingly high degree of similarity between these two conditions suggesting a new avenue for identifying NEC biomarkers.

Perinatal Oxidative Stress May Affect Fetal Ghrelin Levels in Humans

In vitro cell model studies have shown that oxidative stress may affect beta-cell function. It is unknown whether oxidative stress may affect metabolic health in human fetuses/newborns. In a singleton pregnancy cohort (n = 248), we studied maternal (24–28 weeks gestation) and cord plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), F2-isoprostanes] in relation to fetal metabolic health biomarkers including cord plasma glucose-to-insulin ratio (an indicator of insulin sensitivity), proinsulin-to-insulin ratio (an indicator of beta-cell function), insulin, IGF-I, IGF-II, leptin, adiponectin and ghrelin concentrations. Strong positive correlations were observed between maternal and cord plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress (r = 0.33 for MDA, r = 0.74 for total F2-isoprostanes, all p < 0.0001). Adjusting for gestational age at blood sampling, cord plasma ghrelin concentrations were consistently negatively correlated to oxidative stress biomarkers in maternal (r = −0.32, p < 0.0001 for MDA; r = −0.31, p < 0.0001 for F2-isoprostanes) or cord plasma (r = −0.13, p = 0.04 for MDA; r = −0.32, p < 0.0001 for F2-isoprostanes). Other fetal metabolic health biomarkers were not correlated to oxidative stress. Adjusting for maternal and pregnancy characteristics, similar associations were observed. Our study provides the first preliminary evidence suggesting that oxidative stress may affect fetal ghrelin levels in humans. The implications in developmental “programming” the vulnerability to metabolic syndrome related disorders remain to be elucidated.

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Obesity-Linked Metabolic Diseases and Prebiotic Potential of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts

Trillions of microorganisms inhabit the human body, strongly colonizing the gastro-intestinal tract and outnumbering our own cells. High-throughput sequencing techniques and new bioinformatic tools have enabled scientists to extend our knowledge on the relationship between the gut microbiota and host's physiology. Disruption of the ecological equilibrium in the gut (i.e., dysbiosis) has been associated with several pathological processes, including obesity and its related comorbidities, with diet being a strong determinant of gut microbial balance. In this review, we discuss the potential prebiotic effect of polyphenol-rich foods and extracts and how they can reshape the gut microbiota, emphasizing the novel role of the mucin-degrading bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila in their metabolic benefits.

TICI and Age: What's the Score?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Previous studies have suggested that advanced age predicts worse outcome following mechanical thrombectomy. We assessed outcomes from 2 recent large prospective studies to determine the association among TICI, age, and outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the Solitaire FR Thrombectomy for Acute Revascularization (STAR) trial, an international multicenter prospective single-arm thrombectomy study and the Solitaire arm of the Solitaire FR With the Intention For Thrombectomy (SWIFT) trial were pooled. TICI was determined by core laboratory review. Good outcome was defined as an mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days. We analyzed the association among clinical outcome, successful-versus-unsuccessful reperfusion (TICI 2b-3 versus TICI 0-2a), and age (dichotomized across the median).

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty-nine of 291 patients treated with Solitaire in the STAR and SWIFT data bases for whom TICI and 90-day outcome data were available were included. The median age was 70 years (interquartile range, 60-76 years) with an age range of 25-88 years. The mean age of patients 70 years of age or younger was 59 years, and it was 77 years for patients older than 70 years. There was no significant difference between baseline NIHSS scores or procedure time metrics. Hemorrhage and device-related complications were more common in the younger age group but did not reach statistical significance. In absolute terms, the rate of good outcome was higher in the younger population (64% versus 44%, P < .001). However, the magnitude of benefit from successful reperfusion was higher in the 70 years of age and older group (OR, 4.82; 95% CI, 1.32-17.63 versus OR 7.32; 95% CI, 1.73-30.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Successful reperfusion is the strongest predictor of good outcome following mechanical thrombectomy, and the magnitude of benefit is highest in the patient population older than 70 years of age.