Amaranth squalene reduces serum and liver lipid levels in rats fed a cholesterol diet

In this study, the hypocholesterolaemic effect of amaranth grain, oil and squalene are examined. In experiment 1, rats are given a semi-purified diet containing 1% (w/w) cholesterol for four weeks and either amaranth grain (AG; 300 g/kg) or amaranth oil (AO; 90 g/kg) substituted in experimental groups. Both AG and AO lowered serum and hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Faecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acid in the AO group increased, while AG affected only bile acid excretion. In experiment 2, rats were fed the cholesterol diet for four weeks and injected (i.p.) with saline (control), amaranth squalene (AS) or shark liver squalene (SS, 200 mg/kg) for seven days. The hypolipidaemic effects of AS were evident in both serum and liver. In addition, AS markedly increased faecal excretions of cholesterol and bile acid, and slightly inhibited 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity. In contrast, none of these effects were observed in the SS group. This preliminary study suggests that the cholesterol-lowering effect of AS may be mediated by increased faecal elimination of steroids through interference with cholesterol absorption, and that different sources of squalene (plant versus animal) may affect cholesterol metabolism differently.

Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Like, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Like Bat Coronaviruses and Group H Rotavirus in Faeces of Korean Bats

Bat species around the world have recently been recognized as major reservoirs of several zoonotic viruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV), Nipah virus and Hendra virus. In this study, consensus primer‐based reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions (RT‐PCRs) and high‐throughput sequencing were performed to investigate viruses in bat faecal samples collected at 11 natural bat habitat sites from July to December 2015 in Korea. Diverse coronaviruses were first detected in Korean bat faeces, including alphacoronaviruses, SARS‐CoV‐like and MERS‐CoV‐like betacoronaviruses. In addition, we identified a novel bat rotavirus belonging to group H rotavirus which has only been described in human and pigs until now. Therefore, our results suggest the need for continuing surveillance and additional virological studies in domestic bat.

Distinct IL-7 signaling in recent thymic emigrants versus mature naïve T cells controls T-cell homeostasis

IL-7 is essential for T-cell survival but its availability is limited in vivo. Consequently, all peripheral T cells, including recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) are constantly competing for IL-7 to survive. RTEs are required to replenish TCR diversity and rejuvenate the peripheral T-cell pool. However, it remains unknown how RTEs successfully compete with resident mature T cells for IL-7. Moreover, RTEs express low levels of IL-7 receptors, presumably rendering them even less competitive. Here, we show that, surprisingly, RTEs are more responsive to IL-7 than mature naïve T cells as demonstrated by markedly increased STAT5 phosphorylation upon IL-7 stimulation. Nonetheless, adoptive transfer of RTE cells into lymphopenic host mice resulted in slower IL-7-induced homeostatic proliferation and diminished expansion compared to naïve donor T cells. Mechanistically, we found that IL-7 signaling in RTEs preferentially upregulated expression of Bcl-2, which is anti-apoptotic but also anti-proliferative. In contrast, naïve T cells showed diminished Bcl-2 induction but greater proliferative response to IL-7. Collectively, these data indicate that IL-7 responsiveness in RTE is designed to maximize survival at the expense of reduced proliferation, consistent with RTE serving as a subpopulation of T cells rich in diversity but not in frequency.

Adenophora remotiflora protects human skin keratinocytes against UVB-induced photo-damage by regulating antioxidative activity and MMP-1 expression

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) are commonly involved in the pathogenesis of skin damage by activating the metalloproteinases (MMP) that break down type I collagen. Adenophora remotiflora (AR) is a perennial wild plant that inhabits Korea, China, and Japan. The present study investigated the protective effects of AR against UVB-induced photo-damage in keratinocytes.

MATERIALS/METHODS

An in vitro cell-free system was used to examine the scavenging activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and nitric oxide (NO). The effect of AR on ROS formation, antioxidant enzymes, elastase, MMP-1 level, and mRNA expression of MMP-1 were determined in UVB-irradiated human keratinocyte HaCaT cells.

RESULTS

AR demonstrated strong DPPH free radical and NO scavenging activity in a cell-free system exhibiting IC₅₀ values of 1.88 mg/mL and 6.77 mg/mL, respectively. AR pretreatment dose-dependently attenuated the production of UVB-induced intracellular ROS, and antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were enhanced in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, pretreatment of AR prevented UVB-induced elastase and collagen degradation by inhibiting the MMP-1 protein level and mRNA expression. Accordingly, AR treatment elevated collagen content in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides the first evidence of AR inhibiting UVB-induced ROS production and induction of MMP-1 as a result of augmentation of antioxidative activity in HaCaT human keratinocytes. These results suggest that AR might act as an effective inhibitor of UVB-modulated signaling pathways and might serve as a photo-protective agent.

Garlic Supplementation Ameliorates UV-Induced Photoaging in Hairless Mice by Regulating Antioxidative Activity and MMPs Expression

UV exposure is associated with oxidative stress and is the primary factor in skin photoaging. UV-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause the up-regulation of metalloproteinase (MMPs) and the degradation of dermal collagen and elastic fibers. Garlic and its components have been reported to exert antioxidative effects. The present study investigated the protective effect of garlic on UV-induced photoaging and MMPs regulation in hairless mice. Garlic was supplemented in the diet, and Skh-1 hairless mice were exposed to UV irradiation five days/week for eight weeks. Mice were divided into four groups; Non-UV, UV-irradiated control, UV+1% garlic powder diet group, and UV+2% garlic powder diet group. Chronic UV irradiation induced rough wrinkling of the skin with hyperkeratosis, and administration of garlic diminished the coarse wrinkle formation. UV-induced dorsal skin and epidermal thickness were also ameliorated by garlic supplementation. ROS generation, skin and serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased by UV exposure and were ameliorated by garlic administration although the effects were not dose-dependent. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in skin tissues were markedly reduced by UV irradiation and garlic treatment increased these enzyme activities. UV-induced MMP-1 and MMP-2 protein levels were suppressed by garlic administration. Furthermore, garlic supplementation prevented the UV-induced increase of MMP-1 mRNA expression and the UV-induced decrease of procollagen mRNA expression. These results suggest that garlic may be effective for preventing skin photoaging accelerated by UV irradiation through the antioxidative system and MMP regulation.

Association between TAP1 gene polymorphisms and alopecia areata in a Korean population

The transporter 1 ATP-binding cassette sub-family B (MDR/TAP) gene (TAP1) is located in the major histocompatibility complex class II region, and forms a heterodimer that plays a key role in endogenous antigen presentation pathways. Investigation of polymorphisms identified in these loci has revealed an association with several autoimmune disorders. Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disease resulting from T cell-induced damage to hair follicles. The present study documents for the first time a comparison between the allelic and genotypic frequencies of TAP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients with AA and those of a control group, using a direct sequencing method. Our results suggest an association between a promoter SNP (rs2071480) and susceptibility to this disease.

The effects of MOTILIPERM on cisplatin induced testicular toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats

Background

Cisplatin causes male infertility but the exact mechanism have not been clarified, yet. MOTILIPERM has been implicated in alleviation of infertility in Sprague–Dawley rats caused by cisplatin. We evaluated recovery effect of MOTILIPERM on cisplatin (CIS)-induced testicular toxicity in Sprague–Dawley rats.

Methods

Five groups were included. The groups are control (CTR), CTR + MOTILIPERM 200 mg/kg/day per oral, CIS 10 mg/kg i.v., CIS 10 mg/kg + MOTILIPERM 100 mg/kg/day, CIS 10 mg/kg + MOTILIPERM 200 mg/kg/day. CIS 10 mg/kg i.v. single dose was given before 100 mg/kg, or 200 mg/kg MOTILIPERM per oral daily for 28 days. Body and genital organs weight, epididymis sperm count, sperm motility, sperm apoptosis, testosterone level, MDA of testis tissue, spermatogenic cell density, and Johnsen’s score were evaluated. Steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, and Glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP-78), phosphorylated Inositol-Requiring Transmembrane Kinase/Endoribonuclease 1 (IRE1) and phosphorylated c-jun-N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) were quantitated by western blot to show its signaling pathway.

Results

The body weight was decreased significantly in CIS 10 mg/kg, CIS 10 mg/kg + MOTILIPERM 100 mg/kg/day, CIS 10 mg/kg + MOTILIPERM 200 mg/kg/day compared with CTR (p < 0.001) however, it was increased in CIS 10 mg/kg + MOTILIPERM 100 mg/kg/day, CIS 10 mg/kg + MOTILIPERM 200 mg/kg/day compared with CIS 10 mg/kg. The decreased weight of epididymis and prostate were increased significantly in CIS 10 mg/kg + MOTILIPERM 100 mg/kg/day compared with CIS 10 mg/kg. Sperm count, sperm motility, sperm apoptosis, MDA of testis tissue, spermatogenic cell density, Johnsen’s score, and total testosterone were also significantly improved by MOTILIPERM treatment. The levels of decreased StAR protein was significantly improved by MOTILIPERM administration, increased GRP-78 protein p-IRE1and p-JNK was also significantly decreased with MOTILIPREM treatment.

Conclusion

The MOTILIPERM could be an effective medicine to reduce the toxic effect caused ER stress by CIS in the testis.

Effect of 4-chloro-7-trifluoromethyl-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole-1-carboxylic acid on the intraurethral pressure in a rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of 4-chloro-7-trifluoromethyl-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole-1-carboxylic acid, a new benzofuroindole derivative, on the intraurethral pressure in a rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

METHODS

Benign prostatic hyperplasia was induced by testosterone and 17β-estradiol, which were administered intramuscularly once a day for 12 weeks. The effects of 4-chloro-7-trifluoromethyl-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole-1-carboxylic acid and tamsulosin on the intraurethral pressure induced by the electrostimulation of hypogastric nerves after a single intravenous injection of 4-chloro-7-trifluoromethyl-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole-1-carboxylic acid (10 mg/kg) or tamsulosin (10 μg/kg) were evaluated in a benign prostatic hyperplasia model. The electrostimulation-induced intraurethral pressure was measured just before and after the injection of 4-chloro-7-trifluoromethyl-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole-1-carboxylic acid. Bodyweight and genitourinary organ weights were recorded, and serums and tissues were subjected to hormone assays and histopathology. In addition, the expression of α1-adrenoceptors in the prostate was measured by western blotting.

RESULTS

The benign prostatic hyperplasia groups showed increased prostatic index, increased concentrations of testosterone, free testosterone and estradiol in serum, and increased epithelial thickness of the prostate. An injection of 4-chloro-7-trifluoromethyl-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole-1-carboxylic acid or tamsulosin significantly inhibited the elevation of electrostimulation-induced intraurethral pressure. In addition, 4-chloro-7-trifluoromethyl-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole-1-carboxylic acid did not cause a significant change in the blood pressure compared with tamsulosin. While the benign prostatic hyperplasia group showed increased the expression of α1-adrenoceptors, the 4-chloro-7-trifluoromethyl-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole-1-carboxylic acid or tamsulosin injection into a rat model of benign prostatic hyperplasia decreased the expression of α1-adrenoceptors.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that 4-chloro-7-trifluoromethyl-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole-1-carboxylic acid might be beneficial for lowering the intraurethral pressure associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and it could represent a therapeutic option for benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.

Characterization of Nutritional Composition, Antioxidative Capacity, and Sensory Attributes of Seomae Mugwort, a Native Korean Variety of Artemisia argyi H. Lév. & Vaniot

Few studies have investigated Seomae mugwort (a Korean native mugwort variety of Artemisia argyi H. Lév. & Vaniot), exclusively cultivated in the southern Korean peninsula, and the possibility of its use as a food resource. In the present study, we compared the nutritional and chemical properties as well as sensory attributes of Seomae mugwort and the commonly consumed species Artemisia princeps Pamp. In comparison with A. princeps, Seomae mugwort had higher contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and essential amino acids. In addition, Seomae mugwort had better radical scavenging activity and more diverse volatile compounds than A. princeps as well as favorable sensory attributes when consumed as tea. Given that scant information is available regarding the Seomae mugwort and its biological, chemical, and sensory characteristics, the results herein may provide important characterization data for further industrial and research applications of this mugwort variety.

Additive effects of Artemisia capillaris extract and scopoletin on the relaxation of penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle

The objective was to investigate the cellular effect and action mechanism of Artemisia capillaris extract (ACE) and its component, scopoletin, on penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (PCCSM). In vitro study with PCCSM, the precontracted PCCSM with phenylephrine was treated with ACE or scopoletin. Cyclic nucleotides in the perfusate were measured by radioimmunoassay and expression of protein and mRNA of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the perfused PCCSM were measured by western blot and real-time PCR, respectively. The interaction of ACE or scopoletin with udenafil was also evaluated. ACE and scopoletin exerted a significant and concentration-dependent relaxation in PCCSM. The perfusion with ACE or scopoletin significantly increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and the perfusion with ACE or scopoletin increased the expression of eNOS mRNA and protein. Furthermore, ACE or scopoletin enhanced udenafil-inducing relaxation in PCCSM. ACE and scopoletin relaxed the PCCSM mainly by activating nitric oxide-cGMP system and cAMP pathway and they may be additive therapeutic candidates for ED patients who do not completely respond to udenafil.

Abstract 3417: Snail and serpinA1 promote tumor progression and predict prognosis in colorectal cancer

Purpose: Snail and serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A member 1 (serpinA1) are involved in tumor progression. In this study, we investigated the role of Snail and serpinA1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and examined the mechanisms through which these proteins mediate CRC progression.

Experimental Design: Tumors from 528 patients with CRC were examined to determine the clinicopathological significance of Snail and serpinA1 expression. Cell migration and invasion were assessed to determine the functional roles of Snail and serpinA1. Snail binding to the serpinA1 promoter was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays.

Results: Immunohistochemical analysis of 528 samples from patients with CRC showed that elevated expression of Snail or serpinA1 was correlated with advanced stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis. Moreover, we detected a correlation between Snail and serpinA1 expression. Functional studies performed using the CRC cell lines DLD-1 and SW-480 showed that overexpression of Snail or serpinA1 significantly increased CRC cell invasion and migration. Conversely, knockdown of Snail or serpinA1 expression suppressed CRC cell invasion and migration. ChIP analysis revealed that Snail regulated serpinA1 by binding to its promoter. In addition, fibronectin mediated Snail and serpinA1 signaling and was involved in CRC cell invasion and migration.

Conclusion: Taken together, our data showed that Snail and serpinA1 promoted CRC progression through fibronectin. These findings suggested that Snail and serpinA1 were novel prognostic biomarkers and candidate therapeutic targets in CRC.

Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting.

Citation Format: Chae Hwa Kwon, Hye Ji Park, Ja Rang Lee, Hye Kyung Kim, Do Youn Park. Snail and serpinA1 promote tumor progression and predict prognosis in colorectal cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3417. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3417

Effects of Online Self-Regulation Activities on Physical Activity Among Pregnant and Early Postpartum Women

Physical and psychological changes that occur during pregnancy present a unique challenge for women's physical activity. Using a theory-based prospective design, this study examines the effects of pregnant women's (a) physical activity cognitions (self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and safety beliefs) and (b) online self-regulation activities (goal-setting and self-monitoring) on subsequent changes in their physical activity intentions and behavior during pregnancy and immediately postpartum. The authors used data from three panel surveys administered to pregnant women enrolled in a web-based intervention to promote healthy pregnancy and postpartum weight, as well as log data on their use of self-regulatory features on the intervention website. Perceived self-efficacy and perceived safety of physical activity in pregnancy enhanced subsequent intentions to be physically active. Repeated goal-setting and monitoring of those goals helped to maintain positive intentions during pregnancy, but only repeated self-monitoring transferred positive intentions into actual behavior. Theoretically, this study offers a better understanding of the roles of self-regulation activities in the processes of goal-striving. The authors also discuss practical implications for encouraging physical activity among pregnant and early postpartum women.

[(18)F] FP-CIT PET study in parkinsonian patients with leukoaraiosis

BACKGROUNDS

Leukoaraiosis may present with slowly progressive parkinsonism indistinguishable from primary degenerative parkinsonism. Both leukoaraiosis and degenerative parkinsonism are an age-related disorder. Thus, comorbidity is expected to be common in elderly patients with parkinsonism. However, no systematic study has been reported on the clinical features indicating concomitant nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation (NDD) in parkinsonian patients with leukoaraiosis.

METHODS

We performed [(18)F] FP-CIT positron emission tomography studies in 42 consecutive parkinsonian patients with diffuse leukoaraiosis, but no basal ganglia vascular lesions.

RESULTS

Twenty (48%) of the 42 patients had coexisting NDD. Compared to parkinsonian patients with isolated leukoaraiosis, those with coexisting NDD more frequently had asymmetric onset. They had similar degree of parkinsonian motor deficits in the legs, but greater rigidity and resting tremor in the arms. Consequently, they had less prominent lower body parkinsonism. They more frequently showed favorable response to levodopa treatment. They had similar burden of regional and total leukoaraiosis. Among a variety of clinical variables and MRI findings, only asymmetric onset and more than 30% improvement in UPDRS motor score by levodopa treatment were valuable indicators of coexisting NDD.

CONCLUSIONS

We would like to recommend dopaminergic functional imaging studies for all parkinsonian patients with leukoaraiosis. Further studies are needed to confirm sensitivity and specificity of asymmetric onset and good levodopa response for the prediction of coexisting NDD in a different group of parkinsonian patients with leukoaraiosis.

Scientific uncertainty as a moderator of the relationship between descriptive norm and intentions to engage in cancer risk-reducing behaviors

This study examined motivational factors underlying six behaviors with varying levels of scientific uncertainty with regard to their effectiveness in reducing cancer risk. Making use of considerable within-subjects variation, the authors examined the moderating role of the degree of scientific uncertainty about the effectiveness of cancer risk-reducing behaviors in shaping relationships between constructs in the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction (Fishbein & Yzer, 2003 ). Using cross-sectional data (n = 601), the descriptive norm-intention relationship was stronger for scientifically uncertain behaviors such as avoiding BPA plastics and using a hands-free mobile phone headset than for established behaviors (e.g., avoiding smoking, fruit and vegetable intake, exercise, and applying sunscreen). This pattern was partially explained by the mediating role of injunctive norms between descriptive norm and intentions, as predicted by the extended Theory of Normative Social Behavior (Rimal, 2008 ). For behaviors more clearly established as an effective means to reduce the risk of cancer, self-efficacy was significantly more predictive of intentions to perform such behaviors. The authors discuss practical implications of these findings and theoretical insights into better understanding the role of normative components in the adaptation of risk-reduction behaviors.

Spontaneous Zone III rupture of the flexor tendons of the ulnar three digits in elderly Korean farmers

Spontaneous flexor tendon rupture is a rare condition and the aetiology is not clear. We report 12 elderly Korean farmers with spontaneous flexor tendon ruptures. We found the rupture in the dominant hand in ten patients. A rupture in the little finger was found in all 12 patients (seven with both flexor tendons ruptured and five with only the profundus ruptured), in the ring finger in four patients (the profundus ruptured in all and both flexor tendons in two patients), and in the middle finger a partial rupture of the profundus in one patient. The tendons were ruptured close to the hook of the hamate. Repetitive friction between the flexor tendons and the hamate hook may cause the ruptures. The hamate hook was excised and the ruptured profundus tendons were reconstructed with tendon transfers with quite favourable functional recovery at follow-up of 1 to 2 years. The ruptured superficialis tendons were not reconstructed. Level of Evidence IV.

Growth performance, carcass yield, and quality and chemical traits of meat from commercial korean native ducks with 2-way crossbreeding

This work was conducted to investigate the performance and meat characteristics of commercial Korean native duck (KND). A total of 180 1-d-old ducklings of 2-way crossbreds from A and B lines (from National Institute of Animal Science) were used in this work and divided into 4 groups (3 replicates/group, 15 birds/replicate). The four groups were 4 crossbreds as AA (A line [♀]×A line [♂]), AB (A line [♀]×B line [♂]), BB (Pure line B strains) and BA (B strains [♀]×A strain [♂]). Ducks were fed diets based on corn-soybean meal for 0 to 3 wk (22.4% crude protein [CP], 2,945 kcal/kg metabolizable energy [ME]) and 3 to 8 wk (18.4% CP, 3,047 kcal/kg ME). As a result of this study, average body weight of 4 crossbreds were 625, 1,617, 2,466, and 2,836 g at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively, and significantly increased over the period of time (p<0.05). Body weight of BB group was greater than other crossbreds at the age of 6 weeks (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in weekly body weight gains (p<0.05), which were 573, 991, 850, and 371 g at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks old, respectively. Uniformity of 4 crossbreds was 84.9%, 80.5%, and 72.5% at 6, 7, and 8 weeks, respectively, and there was no difference among crossbreds. Body weight gain of BB crossbred was highest among crossbreds (p<0.05). Weekly feed intake significantly increased with weeks as 669, 1,839, 2,812, and 3,381 g at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks respectively (p<0.05). Feed intakes of AA and BB crossbreds were higher at 2 to 4 weeks old than others and that of BB crossbred was highest at 4 to 6 weeks old (p<0.05). Weekly feed conversion ratios were 1.17, 1.86, 3.32, and 9.37 at 0 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6, and 6 to 8 weeks old, respectively, and it increased with age (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in feed conversion ratio among crossbreds. Carcass yields of 4 crossbreds were 73.6%, 71.6%, 73.5%, and 71.7%, respectively, so there was no significant difference among crossbreds. There was no difference in wing, neck, breast and leg ratios among crossbreds. However, back ratios of 4 crossbreds were 17.6%, 18.0%, 15.8%, and 17.6%, respectively, and back ratio of BB was the highest among crossbreds. Finally, these results may provide the basic data on the production, carcass quality, fatty acid and amino acid composition of commercial KND with 2-way crossbreeding.

Collagen hydrolysates increased osteogenic gene expressions via a MAPK signaling pathway in MG-63 human osteoblasts

The present study investigated the effects of CHs on osteogenic activities and MAPK-regulation on bone matrix gene expressions. The effects of CHs on cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, collagen synthesis, and mineralization were measured in human osteoblastic MG-63 cells. Activation of MAPKs and downstream transcription factors such as extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2), p38, ELK1, and cJUN was examined using Western blot analysis. The expressions of osteogenic genes were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. CHs dose-dependently increased MG-63 cell proliferation, ALP activity, collagen synthesis, and calcium deposition. CHs activated ERK1/2, JNK1/2, p38, and ELK1 phosphorylation except cJUN. The COL1A1 (collagen, type I, alpha 1), ALPL (alkaline phosphatase), BGLAP (osteocalcin), and SPP1 (secreted phosphoprotein 1, osteopontin) gene expressions were increased by CH treatment. The ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98509) blocked the CH-induced COL1A1 and ALPL gene expression, as well as ELK1 phosphorylation. The JNK1/2 inhibitor (SP600125) abolished CH-induced COL1A1 expression. The p38 inhibitor (SB203580) blocked CH-induced COL1A1 and SPP1 gene expression. In conclusion, CH treatment stimulates the osteogenic activities and increases bone matrix gene expressions via the MAPK/ELK1 signaling pathway. These results could provide a mechanistic explanation for the bone-strengthening effects of CHs.

Serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A member 1 is a biomarker of poor prognosis in gastric cancer

Background:

In a previous study, we reported that serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A member 1 (serpinA1) is upregulated in Snail-overexpressing gastric cancer. Although serpinA1 has been studied in several types of cancer, little is known about its roles and mechanisms of action. In this study, we examined the role of serpinA1 in the migration and invasion of gastric cancers and determined its underlying mechanism.

Methods:

Expression levels were assessed by western blot analyses and real-time PCR. Snail binding to serpinA1 promoter was analysed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The roles of serpinA1 were studied using cell invasion and migration assays. In addition, the clinicopathologic and prognostic significance of serpinA1 expression were validated in 400 gastric cancer patients using immunohistochemical analysis.

Results:

Overexpression of Snail resulted in upregulation of serpinA1 in gastric cancer cell lines, AGS and MKN45, whereas knockdown of Snail inhibited serpinA1 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that overexpression of Snail increased Snail recruitment to the serpinA1 promoter. Overexpression of serpinA1 increased the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells, whereas knockdown of serpinA1 decreased invasion and migration. Moreover, serpinA1 increased mRNA levels and release of metalloproteinase-8 in gastric cancer cells. Serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A member 1 was observed in the cytoplasm of tumour cells and the stroma by immunohistochemistry. Enhanced serpinA1 expression was significantly associated with increased tumour size, advanced T stage, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastases, and shorter overall survival.

Conclusions:

Serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A member 1 induces the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells and its expression is associated with the progression of gastric cancer. These results may provide a potential target to prevent invasion and metastasis in gastric cancer.