Direct and indirect regulatory mechanisms in TH17 cell differentiation and functions

T helper 17 (TH17) cells have well-described roles in autoimmune diseases. The immune modulations of development and function of TH17 have become a key issue. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding the direct and indirect signalling regulatory mechanisms of TH17 cells in the general mouse model of autoimmune diseases and other human diseases.

The Yangtze-Hydro Project: a Chinese-German environmental program

Water of good quality is one of the basic needs of human life. Worldwide, great efforts are being undertaken for an assured water supply. In this respect, one of the largest water technology projects worldwide is the Yangtze Three Gorges Dam in China. There is a need for extensive scientific and technical understanding of the challenges arising from this large hydrological engineering project. German and Chinese groups from various scientific fields are collaborating to provide knowledge for the sustainable management of the reservoir. In this project description, the Yangtze Three Gorges Dam Project, its goals and challenges, are described in brief, and the contributions of the German research projects are presented.

Association of β-cell function and insulin sensitivity with fasting and 2-h plasma glucose in a large Chinese population

AIM

Our aim was to provide a quantitative analysis of the changes in the principal determinants of insulin sensitivity and secretion in relation to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or 2-h plasma glucose (2h PG) in a Chinese population with a wide range of glucose tolerance.

METHODS

A total of 5728 adults spanning the entire range of glucose tolerance were included. Insulin sensitivity was measured by Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI(M)) and homeostasis model assessment of 1/homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). β-Cell function adjusted by insulin sensitivity was assessed from disposition index (DI) at early-phase DI(30) and total DI(120). The exponential curve was established as the best fit for the relationship between insulin sensitivity or β-cell function and FPG or 2h PG.

RESULTS

Relative to the trend classified as increasing 2h PG, hepatic insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion showed a decreasing trend to a substantial degree as FPG increased. A 1 mmol/l increase in FPG and 2h PG concentration was associated with a -22 and -21% decline in ISI(M), -16 and -4% in 1/HOMA-IR, -38 and -35% in DI(30) and -36 and -26% in DI(120). The decay constant of ISI(M) and DI(30) in IFG or ISI(M), 1/HOMA-IR, DI(30) and DI(120) in IGT was lower than that in normal glucose tolerance. Significant interactions between sex and glucose levels determining DI were found.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that impairment of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion contributes to both FPG or 2h PG hyperglycaemia in a Chinese population, but that the decline in insulin secretion is more pronounced with increasing fasting than 2h PG.

P1-03-09: Significance of FAP, SMA and CD31 Expression in the Stroma of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer stroma heterogeneity has been demonstrated in various gene expression profile analyses. Whether there is any association between stroma heterogeneity and the molecular phenotype of breast cancer has yet to be established. Therefore, we performed immunohistochemical analyses (IHC) to evaluate the expression of the following stromal cell markers (fibroblast activation protein (FAP), smooth muscle actin (SMA), and CD31, an endothelial cell marker) in tumor tissues from a contemporary cohort of 52 patients comprising of all four molecular subtypes (luminal A (n=25); luminal B (n=2); Her2-neu (+) (n=5); and basal (n=20)). We hypothesize that stroma heterogeneity as reflected by the proportion of stromal cells staining (+) for FAP and SMA may correlate with their molecular epithelial phenotype. Furthermore, studying the distribution of these stromal cell markers in IHC sections may evaluate their spatial relationship with tumor cells, immune cells, and tumor microvasculature which may have strategic significance within the tumor/microenvironment.

Survival time of cardiac allografts prolonged by isogeneic BMT in mice

To find an approach to prolong the survival time of cardiac allografts in a BALB/c-to-C57/BL6 heterotopic heart transplant model and to try to figure out related chemokines and cytokines, isogeneic and allogeneic BM cells were obtained from pregnant C57/BL6 (♀C57/BL6 × ♂BALB/c) and regular BALB/c mice and injected to the half lethally irradiated C57/BL6 mice 1 day before heart transplantation. Recipients were treated with CsA or phosphate-buffered saline for 7 days. Isogeneic BMT (iBMT) from pregnant C57/BL6 mice was observed to significantly prolong the survival of BALB/c allografts and reduce the lymphocyte infiltration. Allogeneic BMT (aBMT) and iBMT both exhibited signicantly less T-cell proliferation reactivity and the similar degree of chimerism. There was no significant difference in these groups of IFN-γ and IL-4 production. The level of chemokine MIG (CXCL9) dramatically decreased in aBMT and iBMT groups compared with the control group. But there were no significant differences between aBMT and iBMT group. IL-17 and RORγ(t) (receptor-related orphan receptor) production were downregulated in iBMT recipients. These results indicate that iBMT can prolong the survival of cardiac allografts. IL-17 production downregulated in iBMT recipients. This means that iBMT may have important therapeutic implications.

Role of subchondral bone during early-stage experimental TMJ osteoarthritis

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) is a degenerative disease that affects both cartilage and subchondral bone. We used microarray to identify changes in gene expression levels in the TMJ during early stages of the disease, using an established TMJ OA genetic mouse model deficient in 2 extracellular matrix proteins, biglycan and fibromodulin (bgn(-/0)fmod(-/-)). Differential gene expression analysis was performed with RNA extracted from 3-week-old WT and bgn(-/0)fmod(-/-) TMJs with an intact cartilage/subchondral bone interface. In total, 22 genes were differentially expressed in bgn(-/0)fmod(-/-) TMJs, including 5 genes involved in osteoclast activity/differentiation. The number of TRAP-positive cells were three-fold higher in bgn(-/0)fmod(-/-) TMJs than in WT. Quantitative RT-PCR showed up-regulation of RANKL and OPG, with a 128% increase in RANKL/OPG ratio in bgn(-/0)fmod(-/-) TMJs. Histology and immunohistochemistry revealed tissue disorganization and reduced type I collagen in bgn(-/0)fmod(-/-) TMJ subchondral bone. Early changes in gene expression and tissue defects in young bgn(-/0)fmod(-/-) TMJ subchondral bone are likely attributed to increased osteoclast activity. Analysis of these data shows that biglycan and fibromodulin are critical for TMJ subchondral bone integrity and reveal a potential role for TMJ subchondral bone turnover during the initial early stages of TMJ OA disease in this model.

SLC30A8 polymorphism and type 2 diabetes risk: evidence from 27 study groups

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Intense research has been performed to identify the genetic risk factors in type 2 diabetes, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in SLC30A8 (rs13266634) was reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, published data on the association between SLC30A8 polymorphism and the risk of type 2 diabetes were inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We searched PubMed through October 2009 to identify all relevant papers. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted under an additive genetic model. In the current meta-analysis, we identified a total of 27 groups including 42,609 cases and 69,564 controls. In analyses of the case-control studies by ethnicity, the results indicated that SLC30A8 polymorphism was related to elevate risks of type 2 diabetes both in Europeans (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.11-1.18, P<0.001) and Asians (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.11-1.19, P<0.001). Next, we separated hospital-based case-control studies from population-based case-control studies, however, there was no apparent difference between population-based case-control study groups (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.12-1.17, P<0.001) and hospital-based case-control study groups (OR=1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.25, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our present meta-analysis provided evidence that SLC30A8 (rs13266634) C allele carriers could elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes, especially in Europeans and Asians.

The inhibitory effects of PKCθ on adiponectin expression is mediated by ERK in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The research suggests that adiponectin plays an important role in sensitizing insulin action. It is interesting to find that the lower levels of adiponectin exist in the plasma of obese and Type 2 diabetes subjects and in the adipose tissue of obese, db/db mice, and insulin-resistant individuals. However, the underlying mechanism by which adiponectin expression is inhibited remains largely unknown. In this study, we reported that adipogenesis was inhibited by the stable over-expression of protein kinase C θ (PKCθ) in 3T3-L1 pre - adipocytes. The prolonged treatment of mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes with palmitate, a kind of saturated free fatty acid, reduced adiponectin expression at both mRNA level and protein level, accompanied with the enhanced phosphorylation of PKCθ and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and the impaired expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) mRNA. Either PD98059, an ERK inhibitor or PKCθ pseudosubstrate, a specific PKCθ inhibitor, restored palmiate-inhibited PPARγ2 mRNA expression and subsequent adiponectin expression. In addition, the over-expression or activation of PKCθ resulted in the enhanced phosphorylation of ERK in the mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. PKCθ pseudosubstrate significantly reduced the phorbol 3-myristate 12-acetate (PMA)-induced phosphorylation of ERK. The data suggested that PKCθ-dependent activity of ERK resulted in the impaired expression of PPARγ2 mRNA leading to the reduction of adiponectin expression in the mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Synthetic evaluation of the effect of health promotion: impact of a UNICEF project in 40 poor western counties of China

OBJECTIVE

To synthetically evaluate the effects of a health promotion project launched by the Ministry of Health of China and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in 40 poor western counties of China.

STUDY DESIGN

The two surveys were cross-sectional studies. Stratified multistage random sampling was used to recruit subjects.

METHODS

Data were collected through two surveys conducted in the 40 'UNICEF project counties' in 1999 and 2000. After categorizing the 27 evaluation indicators into four aspects, a hybrid of the Analytic Hierarchy Process, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution, and linear weighting were used to analyse the changes. The 40 counties were classified into three different levels according to differences in the synthetic indicator derived. Comparing the synthetic evaluation indicators of these two surveys, issues for implementation of the project were identified and discussed.

RESULTS

The values of the synthetic indicators were significantly higher in 2000 than in 1999 (P=0.02); this indicated that the projects were effective. Among the 40 counties, 11 counties were at a higher level in 2000, 10 counties were at a lower level, and others were in the middle level. Comparative analysis showed that 36% of village clinics were not licensed to practice medicine, nearly 50% of village clinics had no records of medicine purchases, nearly 20% of village clinics had no pressure cooker for disinfection, and 20% of pregnant women did not receive any prenatal care.

CONCLUSIONS

The health promotion projects in the 40 counties were effective. Health management, medical treatment conditions, maternal health and child health care have improved to some extent. However, much remains to be done to improve health care in these 40 poor counties. The findings of this study can help decision makers to improve the implementation of such improvements.

Antifungal activity of sodium silicate on Fusarium sulphureum and its effect on dry rot of potato tubers

The antifungal activity of sodium silicate on Fusarium sulphureum and its inhibitory effect on dry rot of potato tubers were investigated. Sodium silicate strongly inhibited spore germination and mycelial growth. Morphological changes in sodium silicate-treated hyphae such as mycelium sparsity and asymmetry, hyphal swelling, curling, and cupped shape were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Ultrastructural alterations were also observed using transmission electron microscopy, including thickening of the hyphal cell walls, cell distortion, cavity, or electron-dense material in hyphal cells. Daughter hyphae and new daughter hyphae inside of the collapsed hyphal cells were often detected in the cytoplasm of sodium silicate-treated hyphae, although the septa of treated hyphae remained uniform. In vivo testing showed that sodium silicate at 100 and 200 mM effectively controlled dry rot of tubers that were challenged by inoculation with a F. sulphureum spore suspension. These findings suggest that sodium silicate has direct fungitoxic activity against the pathogen.

Reduced apoptosis of mouse macrophages induced by yscW mutant of Yersinia pestis results from the reduced secretion of YopJ and relates to caspase-3 signal pathway

The virulence of the pathogenic Yersinia species depends on a plasmid-encoded type III secretion system (T3SS) that injects six Yersinia outer protein (Yop) effector proteins into the cytosol of macrophages, leading to disruption of host defence mechanisms. Here, we report that a T3SS structural protein YscW of Yersinia pestis contributed to the induction of apoptosis of murine macrophages. The apoptotic percentage of macrophages, from both mouse peritoneal cavity and spleen, and of RAW264.7 cell line, caused by the yscW mutant strain was significantly lower than that by wild type (WT) Y. pestis and yscW complemented strain. Meanwhile, detection of caspase-3 activity in macrophages, a key apoptosis-inducing protein, showed coincident results with the changes of macrophage apoptosis induced by WT, yscW mutant and complemented strains, indicating that macrophage apoptosis was related to caspase-3 signal pathways. However, ectopic expression of YscW in RAW264.7 cells cannot increase the macrophage apoptosis and death, suggesting that YscW itself could not induce macrophage apoptosis directly. To get insight into the mechanism of this phenomenon, we investigated the secretion of YopJ, which has been thought to be the only Yop effector related to apoptosis, in WT, mutant and complemented strains, respectively. Results showed that in yscW mutant strain, secretion of YopJ was decreased significantly in the supernatant than that in WT or complemented strain. This means although YscW does not induce apoptosis directly, it can indirectly affect apoptosis through reducing the secretion of YopJ.

Potential roles for the small leucine-rich proteoglycans biglycan and fibromodulin in ectopic ossification of tendon induced by exercise and in modulating rotarod performance

We present a detailed comparison of ectopic ossification (EO) found in tendons of biglycan (Bgn), fibromodulin (Fmod) single and double Bgn/Fmod-deficient (DKO) mice with aging. At 3 months, Fmod KO, Bgn KO and DKO displayed torn cruciate ligaments and EO in their quadriceps tendon, menisci and cruciate and patellar ligaments. The phenotype was the least severe in the Fmod KO, intermediate in the Bgn KO and the most severe in the DKO. This condition progressed with age in all three mouse strains and resulted in the development of large supernumerary sesmoid bones. To determine the role of exercise in the extent of EO, we subjected normal and DKO mice to a treadmill exercise 3 days a week for 4 weeks. In contrast to previous findings using more rigorous exercise regimes, the EO in moderately exercised DKO was decreased compared with unexercised DKO mice. Finally, DKO and Bgn KO mice tested using a rotarod showed a reduced ability to maintain their grip on a rotating cylinder compared with wild-type controls. In summary, we show (1) a detailed description of EO formed by Bgn, Fmod or combined depletion, (2) the role of exercise in modulating EO and (3) that Bgn and Fmod are critical in controlling motor function.

A sperm GPI-anchored protein elicits sperm-cumulus cross-talk leading to the acrosome reaction

The acrosome reaction has long been thought to be induced by the zona pellucida. Here we report the identification and function of a novel human sperm glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein, NYD-SP8. The release of the protein during sperm-egg interaction and its binding to the cumulus, the first layer of egg investment, elicits cross-talk between the gametes and produces calcium dependant release of progesterone, which lead to the acrosome reaction. An in vivo mouse model of NYD-SP8 immunization is also established showing a reduced fertility rate. Thus, contrary to accepted dogma, our study demonstrates for the first time that, prior to reaching the zona pellucida, sperm may release a surface protein that acts on the cumulus cells leading to the acrosome reaction, which may be important for determining the outcome of fertilization.

Role of progesterone receptor extra-nuclear signaling in mammary epithelial cell differentiation and breast cancer progression

Abstract #3041

PR expression is inversely associated with the stage of breast cancer and loss of PR is associated with more aggressive phenotype suggesting that PR has a protective role in established cancer. However, animal models and clinical studies showed that progesterone (PG) and PR is a risk factor for breast cancer development. The mechanism of these distinct actions of PG/PR in breast cancer is not known. PR contains a polyproline domain (PPD), which binds to the SH3 domain of c-Src. PR-SH3 interaction mediates activation of Src and MAPK and PG-mediated cell cycle progression. PR-BΔSH3, which has mutations in PPD, failed to mediate these effects. To access the biological role of PR extra-nuclear signaling mediated by PPD, PR-B, PR-BΔSH3 or vector control were stably expressed in non-transformed mammary epithelial MCF10A cell and in breast cancer cells, MCF-7 and T47DY. Cells were tested for their transformation potential by growth in soft-agar and in 3-D cultures. In MCF10A model, cells expressing PR-BΔSH3 showed an increase in both colony numbers and sizes while cells expressing PR-B showed little growth in soft-agar in the absence of PG and PG strongly inhibited colony formation. In MCF-7 cells, both cells expressing PR-B and PR-BΔSH3 formed colonies in the absence of PG and PG strongly inhibited colony formation in cells expressing PR-B but had no effects in cells expressing PR-BΔSH3. To mimic growth in vivo, cells were grown in 3D cultures. MCF-10A expressing vector control or PR-B formed polarized acini with hollow lumen while cells expressing PR-BΔSH3 formed large and filled acini. Using Ki-67 and E-cadherin immunostaining, cells expressing PR-BΔSH3 showed an increase in cells proliferation and a break down in E-caderin as compared to cells expressing PR-B or vector control. Similar changes in cells expressing PR-BΔSH3 were also found in MCF-7 model. We next determined the influence of PR PPD on cell morphology and motility in T47DY PR- cells. T47DY expressing PR-B were rounded and epithelial-like as compared to cells expressing PR-BΔSH3 or LacZ, which were large, flat and mesenchymal-like. Cells expressing PR-B showed a decrease in cell motility with few focal adhesions and were devoid of actin stress fibers, as compared to cells expressing PR-BΔSH3 and LacZ. Similar changes were also observed in MCF-7 cell series. Thus, PR PPD appears to play a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of breast cancer cells. Interestingly, effects of PR-B on these cellular functions are independent of ligand, but dependent upon PR PPD. Using DNA microarrays, gene expression of T47DY expressing PR-B and PR-BΔSH3 were compared. Gene ontogeny analysis of genes regulated by PPD in unliganded receptor revealed an enrichment of genes involved in regulation of key cellular processes including cell polarity, motility, EMT, NF-KB, TGF-β, and Wnt signaling. Results from DNA microarrays demonstrate that extra-nuclear signaling of PR through PPD interactions has a profound effect on PR regulated gene in the absence of PG and may plays an important role in mediating differentiating effects of PR.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3041.

Effect of early insulin therapy on nuclear factor kappaB and cytokine gene expressions in the liver and skeletal muscle of high-fat diet, streptozotocin-treated diabetic rats

To clarify the effect of early insulin therapy on nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) pathway and inflammatory cytokine responses in the liver and skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetes. High-fat diet and low dose streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats were given NPH insulin or gliclazide for 3 weeks initiated at the 3rd day after STZ injection as early treatment and NPH for 3 weeks at 1 month as late treatment. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed at 3rd day after the end of treatment. Early interventions caused a decrease in glucose-insulin index in IPGTT, promoted glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) gene and protein expressions in muscle and reduced phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) protein levels in the liver. There was an increase in inhibitor kappaB (IkappaBalpha) protein and a decrease in NFkappaB p65 DNA binding activity. A decreased level in mRNAs encoding tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha in the liver and muscle and interleukin (IL)-1beta in the liver were observed. Our results suggested that early insulin treatment inhibits NFkappaB activity and inflammatory cytokine responses in the liver and skeletal muscle that were involved in the amelioration of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats.

Small leucine-rich proteoglycans in the aging skeleton

Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglyans (SLRPs) are major skeletal extracellular matrix (ECM) components that comprise a family of 13 members containing repeats of a leucine-rich motif. To examine SLRP function, we generated mice deficient in one or more member and analyzed them at the tissue, cell and molecular levels. This review outlines the novel research findings uncovered using these new animal models.

Sodium Silicate Reduces Postharvest Decay on Hami Melons: Induced Resistance and Fungistatic Effects

The effect of sodium silicate (Si) for control of decay was tested in Hami melons (Cucumis melo L. var. inodorus Jacq.). Si significantly inhibited mycelial growth of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium semitectum, and Trichothecium roseum in vitro. Si at 100 mM was more effective than Si at 25 or 50 mM at controlling the diseases caused by the three pathogens, whereas Si at 200 mM was phytotoxic. Si treatments applied at 100 mM pre-inoculation with T. roseum had lower decay incidence and severity than treatments applied post-inoculation. The protection of Si was correlated with the activation of two families of defense-related enzymes, peroxidase and chitinase. Accumulation of both enzymes was induced in fruit treated with Si and challenged by T. roseum 24 h later, and was sustained for at least 9 days in 'New Queen' and 10 days in '8601' at room temperature. It appeared that induced resistance was an important mechanism of disease control in Hami melons treated with Si.

A comparative study of the metastable equilibrium solubility behavior of high-crystallinity and low-crystallinity carbonated apatites using pH and solution strontium as independent variables

Using solution strontium and pH as independent variables, the metastable equilibrium solubility (MES) behavior of two carbonated apatite (CAP) samples has been examined, a high-crystallinity CAP (properties expected to be similar to dental enamel) and a low-crystallinity CAP (properties expected to be similar to bone mineral). CAP samples were prepared by precipitation/digestion: (CAP A: high-crystallinity, 1.3 wt% CO3, synthesized at 85 degrees C; CAP B: low-crystallinity, 6.4 wt% CO3, synthesized at 50 degrees C). Baseline MES distributions were determined in a series of 0.1 M acetate buffers containing only calcium and phosphate (no strontium) over a broad range of solution conditions. To assess the influence of strontium, MES profiles were determined in a similar fashion with 20, 40, 60, and 80% of the solution calcium being replaced on an equal molar basis by solution strontium. To determine the correct function governing CAP dissolution, ion activity products (IAPs) were calculated from the compositions of buffer solutions based on the hydroxyapatite template (Ca(10-n)Sr(n)(PO4)6(OH)2 (n = 0-10)) and the calcium/hydroxide deficient hydroxyapatite template (Ca(9-n)Sr(n)(HPO4)(PO4)5OH (n = 0-9)).

FINDINGS

(a) for CAP A, at high solution strontium/calcium ratios, the MES profiles were essentially superimposable when the solution IAPs were calculated using the stoichiometry of Ca6Sr4(PO4)6(OH)2 and for CAP B by a stoichiometry of Ca7Sr2(HPO4)(PO4)5OH; (b) for CAP A, at low strontium/calcium ratios, the stoichiometry yielding MES data superpositioning was found to be that of hydroxyapatite and for CAP B, that of calcium/hydroxide deficient hydroxyapatite. When other stoichiometries were assumed, good superpositioning of the data was not possible.