[Association between 23 urinary metals and mean platelet volume among a community-dwelling population in Wuhan, China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential association between 23 urinary metals and mean platelet volume (MPV) among a community population in Wuhan.

METHODS

A total of 3 053 community residents who lived in the sampling buildings for more than 5 years, aged from 18 to 80 years, were recruited using a stratified, cluster sampling approach in Wuhan city, China. Blood and urine samples were obtained from participants in the morning under fasting conditions. Urinary metals, including aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, cadmium, tin, antimony, barium, tungsten, thallium, lead and uranium, were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The MPV contents were determined using a fully automated clinical chemistry analyzer. Participants with missing data on covariates or cardiovascular disease were excluded. According to the reference intorvals of MPV for Chinese adults, the participants were classified into normal (7.0-11.0 fl) and high MPV (>11.0 fl) subgroups. Data from 2 203 participants were used to evaluate the associations between urinary metals and MPV levels using generalized linear regression models, and the risk of abnormal elevation of MPV using multivariable logistic regression models. The false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected P-value from 23 hypothesis tests was used to adjust for multiple testing.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, urinary concentrations of arsenic (P50=2.431 μg/mmol creatinine) and molybdenum (P50=4.035 μg/mmol creatinine) were significantly associated with increased MPV levels and the risk of abnormal elevation of MPV. In contrast, urinary aluminum (P50=2.706 μg/mmol creatinine) and thallium (P50=0.046 μg/mmol creatinine) were associated with decreased MPV levels, but also the risk of abnormal elevation of MPV. The regression coefficients and 95% CIs were 0.119 (0.043-0.196) for arsenic (FDR-adjusted P=0.018), 0.119 (0.042-0.195) for molybdenum (FDR-adjusted P=0.018), -0.115 (-0.195--0.034) for aluminum (FDR-adjusted P=0.029), and -0.307 (-0.386- -0.228) for thallium (FDR-adjusted P<0.001), respectively. When comparing the extreme quartiles for arsenic, molybdenum, aluminum and thallium, adjusted OR and the 95%CIs were 1.830 (1.382-2.423), 1.496 (1.125-1.989), 0.566 (0.412-0.779) and 0.302 (0.219-0.416), respectively, and FDR-adjusted P-values were <0.001,<0.014,<0.008 and<0.001, respectively. Moreover, significant associations were found between an increased risk of abnormal MPV elevation with urinary iron (P50=6.716 μg/mmol creatinine) , antimony (P50=0.014 μg/mmol creatinine) and uranium (P50=0.003 μg/mmol creatinine) , and a decreased risk with urinary tungsten (P50=0.010 μg/mmol creatinine) and lead (P50=0.265 μg/mmol creatinine) . When comparing the extreme quartiles for iron, antimony and uranium, the respective adjusted OR (95%CI) were 1.866 (1.395-2.496), 1.507 (1.111-2.043) and 1.452 (1.063-1.984), and the respective FDR-adjusted P-values were <0.001,<0.022 and<0.012. The respective adjusted OR (95%CI) were 0.551 (0.417-0.726) and 0.534 (0.394-0.725), and the respective FDR-adjusted P-values were<0.001 and<0.001, when comparing the extreme quartiles for tungsten and lead. Based on multi-metal models, urinary chromium (P50=0.120 μg/mmol creatinine) and selenium (P50=0.646 μg/mmol creatinine) were associated with increased risk of abnormal MPV, while urinary nickel (P50=0.193 μg/mmol creatinine) was associated with decreased risk of abnormal MPV. When comparing the extreme quartiles for chromium, selenium and nickel, adjusted OR (95% CI) were 1.578 (1.054-2.363), 1.718 (1.159-2.549) and 0.535 (0.373-0.767), respectively, and the FDR-adjusted P-values were 0.017, 0.028 and 0.002, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In the general population of Wuhan city, exposure to aluminum, chromium, iron, nickel, arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, antimony, tungsten, thallium, lead and uranium were all associated with abnormal MPV elevation.

[Association of urinary metals and lung function in general Chinese population of Wuhan]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between levels of 23 urinary metals and lung function, and explore their does-response relationships in the general population of Wuhan province, China.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled volunteers from two communities of Wuhan between April and May 2011. All volunteers had resided in Wuhan for at least 5 years. Information from questionnaires and physical examinations were collected and lung function was assessed. Data from 2 540 volunteers were included. Urinary levels of 23 metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The relationship between urinary metals and lung function was analyzed with single and multiple regression models.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population was 52.8 years. Mean levels of urinary metals, after adjustment for creatinine, including cobalt, copper, zinc, nickel, antimony and barium were 0.02, 0.68, 23.80, 0.20, 0.10, 0.34 and 0.26 μg/g creatinine, respectively. There were significant concentration-response relationships between increases in some urinary metals and reduced lung function. Single-metal regression models demonstrated that for each 1-unit increase in urinary levels of cobalt, lncopper, lnzinc, lnantimony, there was a reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) of 0.091 L (95%CI: -0.155--0.027), 0.101 L (95%CI: -0.178--0.025), 0.094 L (95%CI: -0.172--0.027) and 0.118 L (95% CI: -0.203--0.033), respectively. Each 1-unit-increase in urinary lncobalt, lnnickel, lnstrontium, lnantimony, lnthallium, lnlead was associated with a reductions in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) of 0.070 L (95%CI: -0.124--0.016), 0.063 L (95%CI: -0.118--0.007), 0.063 L (95%CI: -0.124--0.002), 0.092 L (95%CI: -0.164--0.020), 0.055 L (95%CI: -0.105--0.005), 0.081 L (95%CI: -0.148--0.014), and 0.097 L (95% CI: -0.151--0.042), respectively. With respect to metal co-exposure, FVC was significantly associated with elevated urinary levels of cobalt, Cu and Sb, with reductions of 0.126 L (95%CI: 0.037-0.216) and 0.106 L (95% CI: 0.021-0.192), respectively, while FEV1 was significantly associated with elevated urinary Co, Sb, Ba and Pb, with reductions of 0.067 L (95% CI: -0.129--0.005), 0.142 L (95% CI: -0.247--0.037), 0.073 L (95% CI: -0.142--0.003) and 0.104 L (95% CI: -0.175--0.034), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain urinary metals were potentially associated, in a dose-dependent manner, with reduced lung function in the general population. Co-exposure to metals had stimulative and anti-stimulative effects on lung function.

[Association between personal exposure to metals in fine particulate matter and urinary metals: baseline results from a panel study]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the associations between 21 metals in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and their corresponding concentrations in urine in the general population.

METHODS

Between April and May 2011, this panel study enrolled 120 residents using random sampling approach in Wuhan communities which contained 3 035 subjects. Participants were aged 18 to 80 years and had lived in the sampling buildings for at least 5 years. Data from basic questionnaires, physical examinations, and morning blood and urine samples under fasting conditions were collected. Participants with missing data were excluded. Finally, 83 particpants included. Participants were instructed to use personal air samplers to continuously monitor PM2.5 for 24 h. The following 21 metals were measured in PM2.5 and urine by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, cadmium, tin, antimony, barium, tungsten, thallium and lead. The associations between PM2.5 metals and urinary metals were investigated using generalized linear regression models.

RESULTS

The age of the study population was (51.5±6.3)years. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, BMI, education and income, elevated urinary chromium was significantly associated with increased chromium concentrations in personal PM2.5. The least square means (standard deviation) of urinary chromium in participants classified as having low exposure (<12.491 ng/m(3)), intermediate exposure (12.491-32.388 ng/m(3)) and high exposure (>32.388 ng/m(3)) were (-1.334±0.756), (-1.114±0.813) and (-0.718±0.645) μg/mmol creatinine, respectively (P=0.009). However, the association between urinary and personal PM chromium was not observed after additionally adjusting for false discovery rate (P>0.05). Furthermore, the results demonstrated that other metals in PM2.5 were not related to their corresponding concentrations in urine of subjects.

CONCLUSION

Urinary concentrations of metals did not reflect human exposure to metals in air, and may not be appropriate as an index to assess personal exposure to metals in particulate matter.

The expression of inhibitor of growth 4 is reduced in cervical cancer tissues

OBJECTIVE

Inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4) is a candidate tumor suppressor which plays an important role in multiple processes including DNA repair, apoptosis, cell cycle control, tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. However, clinical data about the role of ING4 in the development and progression of cervical cancer are still limited. This study aimed to examine ING4 expression in cervical cancer and analyze its correlation with the progression of the malignancy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed to determine ING4 expression in 18 clinical specimens from cervical cancer patients. The correlation of ING4 expression with the clinical-pathological features of the patients was analyzed. Moreover, the correlation between ING4 and HPV E6/E7 transcription level in SiHa cells was analyzed.

RESULTS

ING4 expression was decreased significantly at mRNA and protein levels in the tissues of cervical cancer compared with paracarcinoma tissues. Analysis of the subcellular localization of ING4 showed that ING4 expression was decreased in the nucleus of cervical cancer tissues. Ectopic expression of ING4 reduced the proliferation of SiHa cells, accompanied by decreased HPV E6/E7 transcription.

CONCLUSIONS

ING4 expression is decreased in human cervical cancer tissues. Reconstitution of ING4 expression in cervical cancer cells is correlated with decreased HPV E6/E7 transcription. These data suggest that ING4 expression has diagnostic and prognostic significance for cervical cancer.

Reduced Platelet Adhesion on the Surface of Polyurethane Bearing Structure of Sulfobetaine

Poly(etherurethane)s are widely used as blood-contacting biomaterials due to their good biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Nevertheless, their blood compatibility is still not adequate for the more demanding applications. Surface modification is an effective way to improve the blood compatibility and retain the bulk properties of biomaterials. The purpose of present study was to design and synthesize a novel nonthrombogenic biomaterial by modifying the surface of poly(etherurethane) with zwitterionic monomer. Films of polyurethane were grafted with sulfobetaine by a three-step procedure. In the first step, the film surfaces were treated with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) in toluene at 50 C in the presence of di-n-butyl tin dilaurate (DBTDL) as a catalyst. The extent of the reaction was measured by ATR-IR spectra; a maximum number of free NCO group was obtained after a reaction time of 90 min. In the second step, the hydroxyl group of 4-dimethylamino-1-butanol (DMAB) was allowed to react in toluene with isocyanate groups bound on the surface. In the third step, sulfobetaine was formed on the surface through the ring-opening reaction between tertiary amine of DMAB and 1,3- propanesultone (PS). It was characterized by ATR-IR, XPS. The data showed that the grafted surfaces were composed of sulfobetaine. The results of the contact angle measurements showed that they were strongly hydrophilic. The state of platelet adhesion and shape variation for the attached platelets was described. The modified surface shows excellent blood compatibility feature by the low platelet adhesion.

High-risk End-stage Renal Disease Patients Converted from Conventional to Short Daily Haemodialysis

Some high-risk patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cannot tolerate or do not respond to conventional haemodialysis three times per week. Sixteen high-risk ESRD patients were converted from conventional haemodialysis to short daily haemodialysis (sDHD). This consisted of 2 h daily haemofiltration or haemodiafiltration, six times per week. The dialysis response, blood pressure change, weight variations, weekly Kt/V (a measure of the adequacy of dialysis), serum phosphorus, serum albumin, haemoglobin, cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) quality-of-life scales were compared before and after conversion to sDHD. sDHD improved many clinical and biological variables. Weekly Kt/V increased from 4.36 ± 0.62 on conventional haemodialysis to 4.88 ± 0.41 after switching to sDHD. Blood pressure normalized, there were significant decreases in episodes of hypotension during haemodialysis, serum phosphorus concentration, CTR and LVMI, and there were significant increases in levels of serum albumin and haemoglobin. Calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and nutritional status were improved. Physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality and mental health improved significantly.

Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Can Pretreatment DWI Predict Local Failure Based on Long-Term Outcome?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pretreatment prediction of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who will fail conventional treatment would potentially allow these patients to undergo more intensive treatment or closer posttreatment monitoring. The aim of the study was to determine the ability of pretreatment DWI to predict local failure in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on long-term clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred fifty-eight patients with pretreatment DWI underwent analysis of the primary tumor to obtain the ADC mean, ADC skewness, ADC kurtosis, volume, and T-stage. Univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression were performed to compare the ADC parameters, volume, T-stage, and patient age in primary tumors with local failure and those with local control, by using a minimum of 5-year follow-up to confirm local control.

RESULTS

Local control was achieved in 131/158 (83%) patients (range, 60.3-117.7 months) and local failure occurred in 27/158 (17%) patients (range, 5.2-79.8 months). Compared with tumors with local control, those with local failure showed a significantly lower ADC skewness (ADC values with the greatest frequencies were shifted away from the lower ADC range) (P = .006) and lower ADC kurtosis (curve peak broader) (P = .024). The ADC skewness remained significant on multivariate analysis (P = .044). There was a trend toward higher tumor volumes in local failure, but the volume, together with T-stage and ADC mean, were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment DWI of primary tumors found that the skewness of the ADC distribution curve was a predictor of local failure in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, based on long-term clinical outcome.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid prevents hearing loss and hair cell death in Cdh23(erl/erl) mice

Sensorineural hearing loss has long been the subject of experimental and clinical research for many years. The recently identified novel mutation of the Cadherin23 (Cdh23) gene, Cdh23(erl/erl), was proven to be a mouse model of human autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness (DFNB12). Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a taurine-conjugated bile acid, has been used in experimental research and clinical applications related to liver disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and other diseases associated with apoptosis. Because hair cell apoptosis was implied to be the cellular mechanism leading to hearing loss in Cdh23(erl/erl) mice (erl mice), this study investigated TUDCA's otoprotective effects in erl mice: preventing hearing impairment and protecting against hair cell death. Our results showed that systemic treatment with TUDCA significantly alleviated hearing loss and suppressed hair cell death in erl mice. Additionally, TUDCA inhibited apoptotic genes and caspase-3 activation in erl mouse cochleae. The data suggest that TUDCA could be a potential therapeutic agent for human DFNB12.

Clinical Study: Change in Outlook Towards Birth After a Midwife Led Antenatal Education Programme Versus Hypnoreflexogenous Self-Hypnosis Training for Childbirth

Aim: To compare the change of maternal outlook towards birth due to a midwife led antenatal education programme versus hypnoreflexogenous self-hypnosis training for childbirth. Method: Before beginning of the classes and after the last class maternal perception on birth was evaluated using Osgood semantic differential questionnaire. The Gießen personality score was evaluated once. Results: 213 patients were enrolled in this study. 155 were in the midwife led education programme and 58 in the self-hypnosis training programme. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in regard of participants' characteristics, Gießen personality score and initial Osgood semantic differential scores. After the midwife led course childbirth was emotionally more negatively scored (displeasure, tarnishing, dimension evaluation [p < 0.05]), whereas after the hypnosis course childbirth was emotionally more positively evaluated (pleasure, harmony, dimension evaluation [p < 0.01] and brightness [p < 0.05]). Summary: In this study hypnoreflexogenous self-hypnosis training resulted in a positive maternal outlook towards childbirth, in comparison to the midwife led course. Further prospective randomised studies are required to test these initial results.

ZnRF3 induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by antagonizing Wnt and Hedgehog signaling

AIM

The aim of this paper was to investigate the function an importance of E3-ubiquitin ligase ZnRF3 in the progression of cancer cell growth.

METHODS

A total of 58 patients (44 males and 14 females) were enrolled in the study and their gastric tumors were removed surgically and were staged by the TNM approach. Among these patients, 43 patients died and 15 survived at the time of this study. The tumors and the paracancerous tissues were examined by immunohostochemistry for the expression of ZnRF3. We assessed the expression of ZnRF3 in gastric tumors and paracancerous tissues from our patients and related this to patient survival.

RESULTS

A large proportion of malignant cancers of the stomach are gastric adenocarcinoma type. In spite of many studies, the molecular basis for this cancer is still unclear. Deregulated cell proliferative signaling via Wnt/β-catenin and Hedgehog pathways is considered important in the pathogenesis of many cancers including the gastric cancer. Recent studies identified ZnRF3 protein, which is a E3-ubiquitin ligase and which is either deleted or mutated in cancers, to inhibit Wnt signaling. However, the significance of ZnRF3 in the control of gastric cancer and whether it also regulates Hedgehog signaling pathway, is not known. ZnRF3 expression was much higher in tumors from aged patients. Male patients showed higher mortality than the females. Mechanistic studies using normal gastric cells (GES1) and gastric cancer cells (MGC-803) infected with either AdZnRF3 or AdGFP viral vectors, revealed that ZnRF3 overexpression causes significantly more apoptosis and lowered proliferation of cancer cells. ZnRF3 overexpression led to greatly reduced levels of Lgr5, a component of Wnt signaling and also Gli1, a component of Hedgehog signaling. Thus, ZnRF3 negatively influences both the Wnt and Hedgehog proliferative pathways and probably this way it negatively regulates cancer progression. These results suggest the importance of normal ZnRF3 function in checking the progression of cancer cell growth and indicate that a lack of this protein can lead to poorer clinical outcomes for gastric cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

We observed a clear relationship between ZnRF3 expression in paracancerous tissue and tumor size.

Adolescent exposure to cocaine increases anxiety-like behavior and induces morphologic and neurochemical changes in the hippocampus of adult rats

Repeated exposure to cocaine during adolescence may affect both physical and psychological conditions in the brain, and increase the risk of psychiatric disorders and addiction behaviors in adulthood. Adolescence represents a critical development period for the hippocampus. Moreover, different regions of the hippocampus are involved in different functions. Dorsal hippocampus (dHP) has been implicated in learning and memory, whereas ventral hippocampus (vHP) plays an important role in emotional processing. In this study, the rats that were exposed to cocaine during adolescence (postnatal days, P28-P42) showed higher anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test in adulthood (P80), but displayed normal spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze test. Furthermore, repeated exposure to cocaine during adolescence lead to alterations in morphology of pyramidal neurons, activities of astrocytes, and levels of proteins that involved in synaptic transmission, apoptosis, inflammation and addiction in both dHP and vHP of adult rats. These findings suggest that repeated exposure to cocaine during adolescence in rats may elicit morphologic and neurochemical changes in the hippocampus when the animals reach adulthood. These changes may contribute to the increased susceptibility for psychiatric disorders and addiction seen in adults.

Effect of Bacillus subtilis CGMCC 1.1086 on the growth performance and intestinal microbiota of broilers

AIMS

Probiotics have been proved to be the most preferred and effective alternative to antibiotics as growth promoter and pathogens inhibitor in poultry industry. In this study Bacillus subtilis CGMCC 1.1086 as a probiotic bacterium was administered in diet and its effects on both the growth performance and the caecal microbiota of broilers were evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 240 male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly allocated into two treatment groups of basal diet without any addition of probiotics and basal diet containing B. subtilis CGMCC 1.1086. The body weight of broilers was measured individually at 32, 39 and 46 days of bird age. Furthermore, MiSeq high-throughput sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA was used to investigate the bacterial community structure in the caeca of broilers. The results indicated that broilers receiving diet supplemented with B. subtilis CGMCC 1.1086 showed 27·7% higher daily weight gain than those of control during 2 weeks. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of B. subtilis CGMCC 1.1086 group was also improved by 10·3%. In the caeca of broilers fed with B. subtilis CGMCC 1.1086, the relative abundance of Alistipes, Odoribacter, Ruminococcus, Blautia and Desulfovibrio were higher, while the potential pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Escherichia-Shigella were lower than those of control.

CONCLUSIONS

The probiotic B. subtilis CGMCC 1.1086 can effectively improve the growth performance and FCR of broilers via the beneficial modulation of caecal microbiota.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The effect of B. subtilis on growth performance of broilers was evaluated and the relationship between growth and caecal microbiota was revealed. The results of this study help to promote application of probiotics in poultry industry.

Induction effect of MicroRNA-449a on glioma cell proliferation and inhibition on glioma cell apoptosis by promoting PKCα

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the expression of microRNA-449a in brain tissue and plasma of patients with glioma and its mechanism of action on glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

30 cases of gliomas patients were recruited in the study, 12 cases in which with brain tissues excision due to decompression or exposure during the brain surgery were selected as the control group. RT-PCR was used to detect the microRNA-449a expression in brain tissue and peripheral blood of the two groups. Cell proliferation and apoptosis level were further determined after high or low expression of microRNA-145 in human glioma cell line U-251. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect PKCαmRNA and protein level in U-251.

RESULTS

The expression of microRNA-449a in brain tissue or peripheral blood of patients with brain glioma was significantly lower than that of normal people, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Upon interfering with microRNA-449a, the glioma cell proliferation was significantly increased while apoptosis was significantly reduced, the PKCα protein levels were increased significantly and the differences were statistically significant (all p < 0.05); after overexpression of microRNA-449a, the glioma cell proliferation was significantly decreased while the cell apoptosis was significantly increased, the PKCα protein levels were decreased significantly and the differences were statistically significant (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of microRNA-449a is low in patients with glioma, which may inhibit the proliferation of glioma and promote its cell apoptosis via affecting the expression of PKCα.

Hyperlipidemia Promotes Anti-Donor Th17 Responses That Accelerate Allograft Rejection

Hyperlipidemia occurs in 95% of organ transplant recipients, however its effect on organ allograft rejection has not been investigated. We found that induction of hyperlipidemia in mice caused a significant acceleration of rejection of cardiac allografts. Accelerated rejection was associated with an aggressive T cell infiltrate that mediated significant tissue damage as well as increased serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17. Hyperlipidemic mice had an increased number of Th17 cells in their periphery and rejecting allografts from hyperlipidemic mice contained significant numbers of IL-17 producing T cells that were not detectable in transplants harvested from controls. Neutralization or genetic ablation of IL-17 prolonged survival of cardiac allografts transplanted into hyperlipidemic recipients, suggesting that IL-17 production promotes accelerated rejection. Analysis of alloreactive T cell frequencies directly ex vivo in naïve mice revealed that the frequency of donor reactive IL-17 producing cells in hyperlipidemic was increased prior to antigen exposure, suggesting that hyperlipidemia was sufficient to alter T cell alloreactivity and promote anti-donor Th17 responses on first exposure to antigen. Together, our data suggest that hyperlipidemia alters rejection by altering the types of T cell subsets that respond to donor antigen by promoting Th17 biased anti-donor reactivity.

Hyperlipidemia Alters Regulatory T Cell Function and Promotes Resistance to Tolerance Induction Through Costimulatory Molecule Blockade

Recent work from our laboratory has shown that hyperlipidemia promotes accelerated rejection of vascularized cardiac allografts in mice by inducing anti-donor Th17 reactivity and production of IL-17. Here, we show that hyperlipidemia also affects FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs). Hyperlipidemia promotes the development of Tregs that express low levels of CD25. Hyperlipidemia also promotes a decrease in central Tregs and an increase in effector Tregs that appears to account for the increase in the frequency of CD25(low) Tregs. Alterations in Treg subsets also appear to lead to alterations in Treg function. The ability of FoxP3(+) , CD25(high) , CD4(+) Tregs from hyperlipidemic mice to inhibit proliferation of effector T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 and CD28 was reduced when compared with Tregs from control mice. Regulatory T cells isolated from hyperlipidemic recipients exhibit increased activation of Akt, and a reduction in Bim levels that permits the expansion of FoxP3(+) CD25(low) CD4(+) T cells. Hyperlipidemic mice were also resistant to tolerance induction using costimulatory molecule blockade consisting of anti-CD154 and CTLA4Ig, a strategy that requires Tregs. Together, our data suggest that hyperlipidemia profoundly affects Treg subsets and function as well as the ability to induce tolerance.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Chinese Hwamei Garrulax canorus (Aves: Passeriformes): the first representative of the Leiothrichidae family with a duplicated control region

The Chinese Hwamei Garrulax canorus, a member of the family Leiothrichidae, is commonly found in central and southern China, northern Indochina, and on Hainan Island. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of G. canorus. The circular mitochondrial genome is 17,785 bp in length and includes 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes. In addition, two copies of highly similar putative control regions were observed in the mitochondrial genome. As found in other vertebrates, most of the genes are coded on the H-strand, except for one protein-coding gene (nad6; NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6) and eight tRNA genes (tRNA(Gln), tRNA(Ala), tRNA(Asn), tRNA(Cys), tRNA(Tyr), tRNA(Ser(UCN)), tRNA(Pro), and tRNA(Glu)). All the protein-coding genes start with ATG, with the exception of cox1 (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1), which starts with GTG. All tRNA genes have the potential to fold into the typical clover-leaf structure. Conserved sequences in three domains were observed in the two putative control regions. These results provide basic information for future phylogenetic analyses among species of the order Passeriformes.

Theoretical study of core-loss electron energy-loss spectroscopy at graphene nanoribbon edges

A systematic study of simulated atomic-resolution electronic energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) for different graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) is presented. The results of ab initio studies of carbon [Formula: see text] core-loss EELS on GNRs with different ribbon edge structures and different hydrogen terminations show that theoretical core-loss EELS can distinguish key structural features at the atomic scale. In addition, the combination of polarized core-loss EELS with symmetry resolved electronic partial density of states calculations can be used to identify the origins of all the primary features in the spectra. For example, the nature of the GNR edge structure (armchair, zigzag, etc) can be identified, along with the degree of hydrogenation. Hence it is possible to use the combination of ab initio calculations with high resolution, high energy transmission core-loss EELS experiments to determine the local atomic arrangement and chemical bonding states (i.e. a structural fingerprint) in GNRs, which is essential for future practical applications of graphene.

Activity of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in cultured rabbit corneal epithelium cells stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha

We studied the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 generated by cultured rabbit corneal epithelium cells that had been stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), to investigate the possible regulative mechanisms of MMP-2/9 and their potential effect on corneal inflammatory diseases. The rabbit corneal epithelium cells were cultured in vitro and incubated with different concentrations of TNF-α (0, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL) for 24 h. The activity of MMP-2/9 was examined using gelatin zymography. The results were analyzed by computer image analysis and statistical tests. TNF-α stimulated the secretion of MMP-2/9 in a dose-dependent manner, and MMP-2 was activated by TNF-α. Inflammatory factors such as TNF-α can stimulate MMP-2/9 activity in corneal epithelium cells. This may be a potential manipulating mechanism of MMP expression in the pathogenesis of corneal diseases, and could play an important role in the prevention and treatment of corneal inflammatory diseases.

MicroRNA-494 promotes cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity and epithelial to mesenchymal transition by inhibiting PTEN

A major complication associated with cyclosporine (CsA) treatment is nephrotoxicity. In this study, we examined whether microRNAs play a role in cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity. Treatment of mice with CsA resulted in nephrotoxicity that was associated with an early increase in expression of microRNA mmu-miR-494 (miR-494). Similarly, tubular epithelial cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by CsA toxicity resulted in the upregulation of microRNA-494 and a decrease in PTEN levels in vitro. miR-494 directly targeted Pten and negatively regulated its expression. Preventing Pten targeting by miR-494 was sufficient to prevent CsA induced EMT. Knockdown of miR-494 prevented the downregulation of PTEN in tubular epithelial cells following CsA treatment and also prevented CsA induced EMT. Thus, miR-494 plays a major role in promoting CsA induced nephrotoxicity through its ability to target Pten thereby contributing to EMT. We suggest that manipulating miR-494 expression may represent a novel approach to preventing EMT associated with CsA induced nephrotoxicity.

Alginate encapsulant incorporating CXCL12 supports long-term allo- and xenoislet transplantation without systemic immune suppression

Islet transplantation represents a potentially curative approach for individuals with Type I Diabetes. The requirement for systemic immune suppression to control immune-mediated rejection of transplanted islets and the limited human islet supply represent significant roadblocks to progress for this approach. Islet microencapsulation in alginate offers limited protection in the absence of systemic immunosuppression, but does not support long-term islet survival. The chemokine, CXCL12, can repel effector T cells while recruiting immune-suppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) to an anatomic site while providing a prosurvival signal for beta-cells. We proposed that coating or encapsulating donor islets with CXCL12 would induce local immune-isolation and protect and support the function of an allo- or xenograft without systemic immune suppression. This study investigated the effect of alginate microcapsules incorporating CXCL12 on islet function. Islet transplantation was performed in murine models of insulin-dependent diabetes. Coating of islets with CXCL12 or microencapsulation of islets with alginate incorporating the chemokine, resulted in long-term allo- and xenoislet survival and function, as well as a selective increase in intragraft Tregs. These data support the use of CXCL12 as a coating or a component of an alginate encapsulant to induce sustained local immune-isolation for allo- or xenoislet transplantation without systemic immunosuppression.

Cohn process influences the functional anticoagulant activity of human protein C

Cohn fraction IV (CFIV) is a byproduct of a plasma fractionation process known as the Cohn process. It is an inexpensive source of protein C, retaining about 90% of protein C (PC) in human plasma. We investigated whether PC is affected during the Cohn process and evaluated correlations among coagulant activity, amidolytic activity and PC antigen during the Cohn process. CFIV was redissolved with citrate-buffered saline for 5 h at 4°C, and then centrifuged at 3500 g for 40 min at 4°C. Functional anticoagulant activity was measured with a one-stage coagulation method based on activated partial thromboplastin time. The functional amidolytic activity of PC was determined using chromogenic substrate assay, and measurement of PC antigen was performed by ELISA. In CFIV, anticoagulant activity declined significantly, with a loss of >80%, while amidolytic activity was not significantly altered, compared to PC antigen. Prior to the Cohn process, high-rank correlations were observed in cryosupernatant, with rs = 0.921 for anticoagulant and amidolytic activities (P = 0.009), 0.896 for anticoagulant activity and antigen (P = 0.014) and 0.832 for amidolytic activity and antigen (P = 0.031). After the Cohn process in CFIV, there was also a high correlation between amidolytic activity and antigen (rs = 0.782, P = 0.038). There were no significant correlations between anticoagulant activity and antigen (rs = 0.223, P = 0.653), or anticoagulant and amidolytic activity (rs = 0.236, P = 0.675). We conclude that the Cohn process significantly influences the anticoagulant activity of PC. Compared to the antigen, PC lost greater than 80% of its anticoagulant activity, but retained its amidolytic activity, during the Cohn process.

The unfolded protein response potentiates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric cancer cells under severe hypoxic conditions

The hypoxic condition occurs in most types of solid tumors and has been shown to be associated with the metastatic ability of gastric cancer. A previous study has demonstrated that hypoxia might stimulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric cancer cells. Nevertheless, the mechanism has not yet been completely understood. In the current study, the human gastric cancer cell lines HGC27 and MGC803 were presented to normoxic (21 % O2), hypoxic (1 % O2) or severe hypoxic (0.1 % O2) conditions for 24 h. We found that hypoxia exposure induced EMT of gastric cancer cells, which was promoted by severe hypoxia condition. Meanwhile, expressions of PERK, ATF4 and ATF6 proteins were elevated in cells under conditions of severe hypoxia but not by normoxia or hypoxia. Knockdown of PERK, ATF4 or ATF6 impeded EMT of gastric cancer cells induced by severe hypoxia. Furthermore, severe hypoxia exposure extremely boosted the expression of TGF-β, which was blocked by the knockdown of PERK, ATF4 or ATF6 expression. Additionally, we found that TGF-β release caused by hypoxia is facilitated by elevated UPR proteins and led to the activation of Smad2/3 and PI3K/Akt signaling. Our data suggest that UPR potentiates the EMT of gastric cancer cells under conditions of severe hypoxia.