"Crosstalk between non-coding RNAs and transcription factor LRF in non-small cell lung cancer"

Epigenetic approaches in direct correlation with assessment of critical genetic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are currently very intensive, as the epigenetic components underlying NSCLC development and progression have attained high recognition. In this level of research, established human NSCLC cell lines as well as experimental animals are widely used to detect novel biomarkers and pharmacological targets to treat NSCLC. The epigenetic background holds a great potential for the identification of epi-biomarkers for treatment response however, it is highly complex and requires precise definition as these phenomena are variable between NSCLC subtypes and systems origin. We engaged an in-depth characterization of non-coding (nc)RNAs prevalent in human KRAS-mutant NSCLC cell lines A549 and H460 and mouse KRAS-mutant NSCLC tissue by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and quantitative Real Time PCRs (qPCRs). Also, the transcription factor (TF) LRF, a known epigenetic silencer, was examined as a modulator of non-coding RNAs expression. Finally, interacting networks underlying epigenetic variations in NSCLC subtypes were created. Data derived from our study highlights the divergent epigenetic profiles of NSCLC of human and mouse origin, as well as the significant contribution of 12qf1: 109,709,060-109,747,960 mouse chromosomal region to micro-RNA upregulated species. Furthermore, the novel epigenetic miR-148b-3p/lncPVT1/ZBTB7A axis was identified, which differentiates human cell line of lung adenocarcinoma from large cell lung carcinoma, two characteristic NSCLC subtypes. The detailed recording of epigenetic events in NSCLC and combinational studies including networking between ncRNAs and TFs validate the identification of significant epigenetic features, prevailing in NSCLC subtypes and among experimental models. Our results enrich knowledge in the field and empower research on the epigenetic prognostic biomarkers of the disease progression, NSCLC subtypes discrimination and advancement to patient-tailored treatments.

Breast cancer trends in women in Cyprus: a population-based study between 2004-2017

Background

In Cyprus, breast cancer (BC) is the first in incidence and second in mortality cancer in women. A national screening programme (NSP), targeting women 50-69 years, was introduced in 2007. The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of cancer trends.

Methods

Data from the national population-based Cyprus Cancer Registry on adult women diagnosed with BC between 2004-2017 with follow-up until 2019 were analysed as follows: Joinpoint regression for age-adjusted (overall and by tumor stage at diagnosis - TSD) and age-specific rates (<50, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, ≥ 80) incidence and mortality rates; 5-year age-adjusted Net Survival (NS) rates, overall and by TSD. TSD was categorised as localised, regional, and distant.

Results

Age-adjusted incidence rate increased from 135.3 (2004) to 153.2 (2017) per 100,000, with an annual percentage change (APC) of 1.1% (95%CI: 0.4-1.9). The greatest increase was in the age groups ≥70 years. A positive time trend was found for localized cancers between 2006-2017, while for all other stages nonsignificant trends were detected. Age-adjusted mortality rate increased from 37.0 (2004) to 50.0 (2019) per 100,000 (APC: 2.7%; 95%CI: 1.9-9.4). Significant increases in mortality rates were detected in the age groups ≥70 years. By TSD, increased rates were found at localised and regional stages, however smaller increases were detected since 2007. NS rates for the most recent period (2014-2017) was 93% for localized, 81% for regional, and 32% for distant and did not significantly improve compared to the previous years.

Conclusions

Trends in BC incidence continues to increase, especially in the older age groups and for early-stage cancers. As expected, since the introduction of the NSP, the incidence of localised cancers increased whilst the incidence of advanced stage cancer decreased, albeit non-significantly. Survival trends did not change but mortality rates for localised and regional cancers increased at a slower pace.

Key messages

• The introduction of the national screening programme may have played an important role in the increasing BC incidence trends.

• Despite survival rates not improving since the introduction of the national screening programme, mortality rates for early-stage cancers show a less steep increase.

Potential life years lost to COVID-19 in 17 countries during the pandemic period, up to August 2020

Background

COVID-19 pandemic is affecting populations and regions in different ways. In this study, we assess the Potential Years of Life Lost (PYLL) to COVID-19 across different regions.

Methods

We used age-group and sex-specific weekly COVID-19 deaths (from January to August 2020) from national primary sources of 17 countries from the C-MOR consortium (Australia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Peru, Norway, England & Wales, Scotland, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United States). PYLL were calculated by summing up the numbers of deaths in each age group multiplied by the remaining years of life up to age 80. Age-standardized PYLL rates (per 100,000 population), using the World (WHO 2000-2025) Standard population as the reference population, were estimated to facilitate comparison across countries.

Results

Countries in South America displayed the highest PYLL rates (567-1,377 PYLL/100,000). Countries in Asia & Middle East (besides Kazakhstan), Australia, and some European countries (Georgia, Norway, and Slovenia) observed <50 PYLL/100,000. Furthermore, the male to female PYLL rate ratio was above one in all countries [1.3 (Ukraine) - 14.4 (Cyprus)], besides Georgia (ratio = 0.5).

Conclusions

South America, and males were found to be the most affected by COVID-19. Ongoing monitoring of the COVID-19 mortality impact is essential in order to assess health system performances, control measures, and identify vulnerable populations. Differences in mortality burden among populations will help public health officials in their efforts to minimize the COVID-19 mortality burden on a local, and on a global level.

Key messages

Up to August 2020, COVID-19 was a cause of premature mortality in all the participating countries, with South America and males to be more affected.

The timing of the pandemic, seasonal trends, the control measures enforced, and underlying social conditions are probable explanations for the differences observed among countries.

Excess all-cause mortality from January to August 2020: a temporal analysis in 20 countries

 

Analysis of all-cause mortality is an important tool to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate the magnitude and potential determinants of excess all-cause mortality, from January until August 2020, using national mortality databases from 20 countries part of the C-MOR consortium. Excess weekly mortality for 2020 was calculated by comparing observed against expected weekly number of deaths for 2020. Expected 2020 weekly mortality was estimated using 2015-19 data based on a time series model adjusting for time trend and seasonality. The excess mortality was visualized against a stringency index (SI), based on nine government response indicators, downloaded from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker. Brazil, Cyprus, France, Ireland, Italy, countries of the UK, Spain and the USA showed a substantial increase in the observed mortality during 2020, which lasted from 1 (Cyprus) to 7 (England and Wales, Scotland) weeks. Australia, Denmark and Georgia observed fewer than expected deaths, whereas in Austria, Estonia, Israel, Norway, Slovenia and Ukraine 2020 mortality was as expected. Italy, Spain, UK and Brazil enforced high SI measures at least after 3 weeks from the first COVID-19 death. Sweden and the USA did not apply high SI measures for the duration of this study. In Austria, Estonia, Israel, Norway, Cyprus, Georgia, Slovenia and Ukraine, measures of high SI were implemented within 2 weeks of the first COVID-19 death. The decreased mortality in Australia is probably attributed to different seasonality patterns coupled with strict control measures. Several but not all countries showed excess all-cause mortality. Excess mortality was shown to be influenced by the seasonality patterns of each country, as well as the promptness of governments to apply high SI control measures. As the pandemic continues, the lessons learned from the first months of the pandemic can prove useful to minimize increases in all-cause mortality.

Key messages

Some countries showed excess all-cause mortality between January and August 2020, whereas others displayed either negligible excess mortality or even a decrease in all-cause mortality.

Excess mortality may be partly attributed to delayed application of strict control measures whereas lack of excess mortality may be due to seasonality and/or strict control measures.

Feeding olive cake silage up to 20% of DM intake in sheep improves lipid quality and health-related indices of milk and ovine halloumi cheese

This study aimed to evaluate the use of a by-product, olive cake silage (OCS), as a forage replacement in sheep diets for the improvement of fatty acid (FA) content of milk and thus, the lipids of the ovine halloumi cheese produced. Sixty second-parity purebred Chios ewes in mid-lactation were assigned to three diet treatments (2 lots of 10 animals per treatment) receiving 0%, 10%, and 20% of OCS on dry matter basis for 3 weeks (treatments S0, S10, and S20, respectively). Halloumi cheese was manufactured from fresh raw milk of ewes fed the three different diets. Inclusion of OCS in the diets increased linearly the concentration in milk of unsaturated FA up to 20%, monounsaturated FA up to 23%, polyunsaturated FA up to 11%, rumenic acid (CLA cis-9, trans-11) up to 61%, and consequently reduced the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity milk indices by 31% and 27%, for the S10 and S20 treatments, respectively, compared with the control treatment. Moreover, these differences were carried over to the lipid profile of ovine halloumi cheese showing, on average, more than 25% increase of unsaturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated FA, with particularly enhanced oleic and rumenic acid content. These changes resulted in reduced atherogenicity by 29% and 45% and thrombogenicity by 23% and 24% of ovine halloumi cheese made from milk of S10 and S20 diets, respectively. Milk yield, milk fat, or protein content was not affected by S10 or S20 feeding treatments compared to control. Overall, the applied ensiling method of olive cake produces a by-product that can be included as a forage replacement up to 20% of DM intake in Chios sheep without adversely affecting the lactating performance. Furthermore, the present study showed that such substitution improves the lipid quality of milk and related halloumi cheese enriching these ovine dairy products with beneficial to human health fatty acids.

Geographical inequalities in breast cancer incidence, mortality and late stage at diagnosis in Cyprus

Background

A national breast cancer (BC) screening programme, targeting women 50-69 years old, was introduced in Cyprus in 2007. This study aims to assess rural/urban differences in BC incidence, tumour stage at diagnosis (TSD) and mortality, since 2004 and since the introduction of the screening programme.

Methods

Data were obtained for 6589 new cases of BC (diagnosis 2004-2016) from a national population-based cancer registry (1998-today) in Cyprus. TSD was recorded according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results categories. We defined late TSD as regional or distant stage. Unknown stages were excluded. We linked cases to the population census data and place of residence (rural/urban) and calculated incidence and mortality rate ratios (RR) by place of residence. We conducted logistic regression to measure the association between place of residence and TSD or mortality, adjusting for sex, age, ethnicity, smoking and marital status. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported.

Results

Since 2004, 54.7% of BC cases were diagnosed at localised stage, 40.6% at regional stage and 4.7% at distant stage. Incidence, but not mortality, rate for all BC was higher in urban than in rural areas (RRincidece=1.22;95%CI=1.51-1.28 and RRmortality=1.10;95%CI=0.97-1.24). Rural place of residence was associated with higher odds of late TSD (aOR=1.34; 95%CI=1.15-1.58) and death (aOR=1.36; 95%CI=1.11-1.68). After the introduction of the screening programme, for the targeted age group, rural place of residence was still associated with higher odds of late TSD (aOR=1.31; 95%C= 1.03-1.67), but not with death (p &gt; 0.05).

Conclusions

Even though BC incidence is higher in urban than in rural areas, women residing in rural areas had higher odds of late TSD and death. The introduction of the national BC screening programme only slightly reduced geographical inequalities in TSD. Further studies are needed to understand and reduce the role of inequalities in TSD.

Key messages

Rural/Urban inequalities in TSD are evident among BC cases in Cyprus, diagnosed between 2004 and 2016. The introduction of the national BC screening programme reduced but did not overcome geographical inequalities in TSD.

The use of ensiled olive cake in the diets of Friesian cows increases beneficial fatty acids in milk and Halloumi cheese and alters the expression of SREBF1 in adipose tissue

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of ensiled olive cake, a by-product of olive oil production, on milk yield and composition and on fatty acid (FA) profile of milk and Halloumi cheese from cows. Furthermore, the effect of olive cake on the expression of selected genes involved in mammary and adipose lipid metabolism was assessed in a subset of animals. A total of 24 dairy cows in mid lactation were allocated into 2 isonitrogenous and isoenergetic feeding treatments, named the control (CON) diet and the olive cake (OC) diet, in which part of the forages (alfalfa, barley hay, and barley straw) were replaced with ensiled OC as 10% of dry matter according to a 2 × 2 crossover design with two 28-d experimental periods. At the end of the second experimental period, mammary and perirenal adipose tissue samples were collected from 3 animals per group for gene expression analysis by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. The expression of 11 genes, involved in FA synthesis (ACACA, FASN, G6PDH), FA uptake or translocation (VLDLR, LPL, SLC2A1, CD36, FABP3), FA saturation (SCD1), and transcriptional regulation (SREBF1, PPARG), was evaluated. No significant differences were observed between groups concerning milk yield, fat percentage, protein percentage, and protein yield (kg/d), whereas milk fat yield (kg/d) increased in the OC group. Dietary supplementation with ensiled OC modified the FA profile of milk and Halloumi cheese produced. There was a significant decrease in the concentration of de novo synthesized FA, saturated FA, and the atherogenic index, whereas long-chain and monounsaturated FA concentration was increased in both milk and cheese. Among individual saturated FA, only stearic acid was elevated, whereas among individual monounsaturated FA, increments of oleic acid (C18:1 cis-9) and the sum of C18:1 trans-10 and trans-11 acids were demonstrated in milk and Halloumi cheese produced. Although no diet effect was reported on total polyunsaturated FA, the concentration of CLA cis-9,trans-11 was increased in both milk and Halloumi cheese fat of the OC group. The expression of the genes tested was unaffected apart from an observed upregulation of SREBF1 mRNA expression in perirenal fat from cows fed the OC diet. Milk FA differences observed were not associated with alterations in mammary expression of genes involved in FA synthesis, uptake, translocation, and regulation of lipogenesis. Overall, the inclusion of ensiled OC in cow diets for a 4-wk period improved, beneficially for human health, the lipid profile of bovine milk and Halloumi cheese produced without adversely affecting milk yield and composition or the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism of mammary and adipose tissues in cows.

The multi-faceted functioning portrait of LRF/ZBTB7A

Transcription factors (TFs) consisting of zinc fingers combined with BTB (for broad-complex, tram-track, and bric-a-brac) domain (ZBTB) are a highly conserved protein family that comprises a multifunctional and heterogeneous group of TFs, mainly modulating cell developmental events and cell fate. LRF/ZBTB7A, in particular, is reported to be implicated in a wide variety of physiological and cancer-related cell events. These physiological processes include regulation of erythrocyte maturation, B/T cell differentiation, adipogenesis, and thymic insulin expression affecting consequently insulin self-tolerance. In cancer, LRF/ZBTB7A has been reported to act either as oncogenic or as oncosuppressive factor by affecting specific cell processes (proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, metastasis, etc) in opposed ways, depending on cancer type and molecular interactions. The molecular mechanisms via which LRF/ZBTB7A is known to exert either physiological or cancer-related cellular effects include chromatin organization and remodeling, regulation of the Notch signaling axis, cellular response to DNA damage stimulus, epigenetic-dependent regulation of transcription, regulation of the expression and activity of NF-κB and p53, and regulation of aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (Warburg effect). It is a pleiotropic TF, and thus, alterations to its expression status become detrimental for cell survival. This review summarizes its implication in different cellular activities and the commonly invoked molecular mechanisms triggered by LRF/ZBTB7A’s orchestrated action.

Effects of a small, volatile bacterial molecule on Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria using whole cell high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and genomics

In the present study, high-resolution magic-angle spinning (HRMAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was applied to live Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) bacterial cells to determine the metabolome of this opportunistic Gram-negative human pathogen, and in particular, its response to the volatile aromatic low molecular weight signaling molecule, 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AA). Multi-dimensional HRMAS NMR is a promising method which may be used to determine the in vivo metabolome of live intact bacterial cells; 2-AA is produced by PA and triggers the emergence of phenotypes that promote chronic infection phenotypes in in vitro and in vivo (animal) models. In the present study, we applied one-dimensional and two-dimensional proton (¹H) HRMAS NMR to PA cells which were grown with or without 2-AA in order to examine the associations between metabolites and cellular processes in response to 2-AA. We also compared whole-genome transcriptome profiles of PA cells grown with or without 2-AA and found that 2-AA promoted profound metabolic changes in the PA cells. By comparing the whole-genome transcriptome profiles and metabolomic analysis, we demonstrated that 2-AA profoundly reprogramed the gene expression and metabolic profiles of the cells. Our in vivo¹H HRMAS NMR spectroscopy may prove to be a helpful tool in the validation of gene functions, the study of pathogenic mechanisms, the classification of microbial strains into functional/clinical groups and the testing of anti-bacterial agents.

Pharmacological Management of Dyslipidemia in Atherosclerosis: Limitations, Challenges, and New Therapeutic Opportunities

Clinical and epidemiological studies during the last 7 decades indicated that elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels correlate with the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerotic lesions in the arterial wall. This observation led to the development of LDL-C-lowering drugs for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, some with greater success than others. However, a body of recent clinical evidence shows that a substantial residual cardiovascular risk exists even at very low levels of LDL-C, suggesting that new therapeutic modalities are still needed for reduction of atherosclerosis morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, HDL-C-raising drugs developed toward this goal had disappointing results thus far. Here, we critically review the literature presenting available evidence and challenges that need to be met and discuss possible new avenues for the development of novel lipid pharmacotherapeutics to reduce the burden of atherosclerosis.

Apolipoprotein E in diet-induced obesity: a paradigm shift from conventional perception

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a major protein component of peripheral and brain lipoprotein transport systems. APOE in peripheral circulation does not cross blood brain barrier or blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier. As a result, peripheral APOE expression does not affect brain APOE levels and vice versa. Numerous epidemiological studies suggest a key role of peripherally expressed APOE in the development and progression of coronary heart disease while brain APOE has been associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. More recent studies, mainly in experimental mice, suggested a link between Apoe and morbid obesity. According to the latest findings, expression of human apolipoprotein E3 (APOE3) isoform in the brain of mice is associated with a potent inhibition of visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation leading to significantly reduced substrate oxidation, increased fat accumulation and obesity. In contrast, hepatically expressed APOE3 is associated with a notable shift of substrate oxidation towards non-shivering thermogenesis in visceral WAT mitochondria, leading to resistance to obesity. These novel findings constitute a major paradigm shift from the widely accepted perception that APOE promotes obesity via receptor-mediated postprandial lipid delivery to WAT. Here, we provide a critical review of the latest facts on the role of APOE in morbid obesity.

Pleiotropic effects of apolipoprotein C3 on HDL functionality and adipose tissue metabolic activity

APOC3 is produced mainly by the liver and intestine and approximately half of plasma APOC3 associates with HDL. Though it was believed that APOC3 associates with HDL by simple binding to preexisting particles, recent data support that biogenesis of APOC3-containing HDL (APOC3-HDL) requires Abca1. Moreover, APOC3-HDL contributes to plasma triglyceride homeostasis by preventing APOC3 association with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Interestingly, APOC3-HDL also shows positive correlation with the morbidly obese phenotype. However, the roles of APOC3 in HDL functionality and adipose tissue metabolic activity remain unknown. Therefore, here we investigated the direct effects of APOC3 expression on HDL structure and function, as well as white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolic activity. C57BL/6 mice were infected with an adenovirus expressing human APOC3 or a recombinant attenuated control adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein and blood and tissue samples were collected at 5 days postinfection. HDL was then analyzed for its apolipoprotein and lipid composition and particle functionality. Additionally, purified mitochondria from BAT and WAT were analyzed for uncoupling protein 1, cytochrome c (Cytc), and Cytc oxidase subunit 4 protein levels as an indirect measure of their metabolic activity. Serum metabolomic analysis was performed by NMR. Combined, our data show that APOC3 modulates HDL structure and function, while it selectively promotes BAT metabolic activation.

Variants in the 3' untranslated region of the ovine acetyl-coenzyme A acyltransferase 2 gene are associated with dairy traits and exhibit differential allelic expression

The acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 2 (ACAA2) gene encodes an enzyme of the thiolase family that is involved in mitochondrial fatty acid elongation and degradation by catalyzing the last step of the respective β-oxidation pathway. The increased energy needs for gluconeogenesis and triglyceride synthesis during lactation are met primarily by increased fatty acid oxidation. Therefore, the ACAA2 enzyme plays an important role in the supply of energy and carbon substrates for lactation and may thus affect milk production traits. This study investigated the association of the ACAA2 gene with important sheep traits and the putative functional involvement of this gene in dairy traits. A single nucleotide substitution, a T to C transition located in the 3' untranslated region of the ACAA2 gene, was used in mixed model association analysis with milk yield, milk protein yield and percentage, milk fat yield and percentage, and litter size at birth. The single nucleotide polymorphism was significantly associated with total lactation production and milk protein percentage, with respective additive effects of 6.81 ± 2.95 kg and -0.05 ± 0.02%. Additionally, a significant dominance effect of 0.46 ± 0.21 kg was detected for milk fat yield. Homozygous TT and heterozygous CT animals exhibited higher milk yield compared with homozygous CC animals, whereas the latter exhibited increased milk protein percentage. Expression analysis from age-, lactation-, and parity-matched female sheep showed that mRNA expression of the ACAA2 gene from TT animals was 2.8- and 11.8-fold higher in liver and mammary gland, respectively. In addition, by developing an allelic expression imbalance assay, it was estimated that the T allele was expressed at an average of 18% more compared with the C allele in the udder of randomly selected ewes. We demonstrated for the first time that the variants in the 3' untranslated region of the ovine ACAA2 gene are differentially expressed in homozygous ewes of each allele and exhibit allelic expression imbalance within heterozygotes in a tissue-specific manner, supporting the existence of cis-regulatory DNA variation in the ovine ACAA2 gene. This is the first study reporting differential allelic imbalance expression of a candidate gene associated with milk production traits in dairy sheep.

Pharmacological assessment of ibuprofen arginate on platelet aggregation and colon cancer cell killing

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, are amongst the most commonly used medications and produce their anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. These drugs also have the potential to prevent and treat cancer and some members of the class including ibuprofen can produce anti-platelet effects. Despite their utility, all NSAIDs are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular side effects which our recent work suggests could be mediated by increased levels of the endogenous NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) leading to reduced endothelial NOS activity and associated endothelial cell dysfunction. ADMA is a cardiotoxic hormone and biomarker of cardiovascular risk whose effects can be prevented by l-arginine. The ibuprofen salt, ibuprofen arginate (Spididol^®) was created to increase drug solubility but we have previously established that it not only effectively blocks COX-2 but also provides an arginine source able to reverse the effects of ADMA in vitro and in vivo. Here we have gone on to explore whether the formulation of ibuprofen with arginine influences the potency and efficacy of the parent molecule using a range of simple in vitro assays designed to test the effects of NSAIDs on (i) platelet aggregation and (iii) colon cancer cell killing. Our findings demonstrate that ibuprofen arginate retains these key functional effects of NSAIDs with similar or increased potency compared to ibuprofen sodium, further illustrating the potential of ibuprofen arginate as an efficacious drug with the possibility of improved cardiovascular safety.

Distinct Roles of Apolipoproteins A1 and E in the Modulation of High-Density Lipoprotein Composition and Function

In addition to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, HDL quality also appears to be very important for atheroprotection. Analysis of various clinical paradigms suggests that the lipid and apolipoprotein composition of HDL defines its size, shape, and functions and may determine its beneficial effects on human health. Previously, we reported that like apolipoprotein A-I (Apoa1), apolipoprotein E (Apoe) is also capable of promoting the de novo biogenesis of HDL with the participation of ATP binding cassette A lipid transporter member 1 (Abca1) and plasma enzyme lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (Lcat), in a manner independent of a functional Apoa1. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of the functions of these HDL subpopulations. Specifically, Apoe and Apoa1 double-deficient (Apoe(-/-) × Apoa1(-/-)) mice were infected with APOA1- or APOE3-expressing adenoviruses, and APOA1-containing HDL (APOA1-HDL) and APOE3-containing HDL (APOE3-HDL), respectively, were isolated and analyzed by biochemical and physicochemical methods. Western blot and lipidomic analyses indicated significant differences in the apolipoprotein and lipid composition of the two HDL species. Moreover APOE3-HDL presented a markedly reduced antioxidant potential and Abcg1-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity. Surprisingly, APOE3-HDL but not APOA1-HDL attenuated LPS-induced production of TNFα in RAW264.7 cells, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory effects of APOA1 are dependent on APOE expression. Taken together, our data indicate that APOA1 and APOE3 recruit different apolipoproteins and lipids on the HDL particle, leading to structurally and functionally distinct HDL subpopulations. The distinct role of these two apolipoproteins in the modulation of HDL functionality may pave the way toward the development of novel pharmaceuticals that aim to improve HDL functionality.

Bacterial-excreted small volatile molecule 2-aminoacetophenone induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in murine skeletal muscle

Oxidative stress induces mitochondrial dysfunction and facilitates apoptosis, tissue damage or metabolic alterations following infection. We have previously discovered that the Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) quorum sensing (QS)-excreted small volatile molecule, 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AA), which is produced in infected human tissue, promotes bacterial phenotypes that favor chronic infection, while also compromising muscle function and dampens the pathogen-induced innate immune response, promoting host tolerance to infection. In this study, murine whole-genome expression data have demonstrated that 2-AA affects the expression of genes involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, thus producing an oxidative stress signature in skeletal muscle. The results of the present study demonstrated that the expression levels of genes involved in apoptosis signaling pathways were upregulated in the skeletal muscle of 2-AA-treated mice. To confirm the results of our transcriptome analysis, we used a novel high-resolution magic-angle-spinning (HRMAS), proton (¹H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method and observed increased levels of bisallylic methylene fatty acyl protons and vinyl protons, suggesting that 2-AA induces skeletal muscle cell apoptosis. This effect was corroborated by our results demonstrating the downregulation of mitochondrial membrane potential in vivo in response to 2-AA. The findings of the present study indicate that the bacterial infochemical, 2-AA, disrupts mitochondrial functions by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis signaling and likely promotes skeletal muscle dysfunction, which may favor chronic/persistent infection.

Advances in high-density lipoprotein physiology: surprises, overturns, and promises

Emerging evidence strongly supports that changes in the HDL metabolic pathway, which result in changes in HDL proteome and function, appear to have a causative impact on a number of metabolic disorders. Here, we provide a critical review of the most recent and novel findings correlating HDL properties and functionality with various pathophysiological processes and disease states, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, inflammation and sepsis, bone and obstructive pulmonary diseases, and brain disorders.

In vivo high-resolution magic angle spinning magnetic and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis of mitochondria-targeted peptide in Drosophila melanogaster with trauma-induced thoracic injury

Trauma is the most common cause of mortality among individuals aged between 1 and 44 years and the third leading cause of mortality overall in the US. In this study, we examined the effects of trauma on the expression of genes in Drosophila melanogaster, a useful model for investigating genetics and physiology. After trauma was induced by a non-lethal needle puncture of the thorax, we observed the differential expression of genes encoding for mitochondrial uncoupling proteins, as well as those encoding for apoptosis-related and insulin signaling-related proteins, thus indicating muscle functional dysregulation. These results prompted us to examine the link between insulin signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction using in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) with complementary electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Trauma significantly increased insulin resistance biomarkers, and the NMR spectral profile of the aged flies with trauma-induced thoracic injury resembled that of insulin-resistant chico mutant flies. In addition, the mitochondrial redox status, as measured by EPR, was significantly altered following trauma, indicating mitochondrial uncoupling. A mitochondria-targeted compound, Szeto-Schiller (SS)-31 that promotes adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis normalized the NMR spectral profile, as well as the mitochondrial redox status of the flies with trauma-induced thoracic injury, as assessed by EPR. Based on these findings, we propose a molecular mechanism responsible for trauma-related mortality and also propose that trauma sequelae in aging are linked to insulin signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings further suggest that SS-31 attenuates trauma-associated pathological changes.

The low density lipoprotein receptor modulates the effects of hypogonadism on diet-induced obesity and related metabolic perturbations

Here, we investigated how LDL receptor deficiency (Ldlr(-/-)) modulates the effects of testosterone on obesity and related metabolic dysfunctions. Though sham-operated Ldlr(-/-) mice fed Western-type diet for 12 weeks became obese and showed disturbed plasma glucose metabolism and plasma cholesterol and TG profiles, castrated mice were resistant to diet-induced obesity and had improved glucose metabolism and reduced plasma TG levels, despite a further deterioration in their plasma cholesterol profile. The effect of hypogonadism on diet-induced weight gain of Ldlr(-/-) mice was independent of ApoE and Lrp1. Indirect calorimetry analysis indicated that hypogonadism in Ldlr(-/-) mice was associated with increased metabolic rate. Indeed, mitochondrial cytochrome c and uncoupling protein 1 expression were elevated, primarily in white adipose tissue, confirming increased mitochondrial metabolic activity due to thermogenesis. Testosterone replacement in castrated Ldlr(-/-) mice for a period of 8 weeks promoted diet-induced obesity, indicating a direct role of testosterone in the observed phenotype. Treatment of sham-operated Ldlr(-/-) mice with the aromatase inhibitor exemestane for 8 weeks showed that the obesity of castrated Ldlr(-/-) mice is independent of estrogens. Overall, our data reveal a novel role of Ldlr as functional modulator of metabolic alterations associated with hypogonadism.

A small volatile bacterial molecule triggers mitochondrial dysfunction in murine skeletal muscle

Mitochondria integrate distinct signals that reflect specific threats to the host, including infection, tissue damage, and metabolic dysfunction; and play a key role in insulin resistance. We have found that the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing infochemical, 2-amino acetophenone (2-AA), produced during acute and chronic infection in human tissues, including in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, acts as an interkingdom immunomodulatory signal that facilitates pathogen persistence, and host tolerance to infection. Transcriptome results have led to the hypothesis that 2-AA causes further harm to the host by triggering mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. As normal skeletal muscle function is essential to survival, and is compromised in many chronic illnesses, including infections and CF-associated muscle wasting, we here determine the global effects of 2-AA on skeletal muscle using high-resolution magic-angle-spinning (HRMAS), proton (¹H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics, in vivo³¹P NMR, whole-genome expression analysis and functional studies. Our results show that 2-AA when injected into mice, induced a biological signature of insulin resistance as determined by ¹H NMR analysis-, and dramatically altered insulin signaling, glucose transport, and mitochondrial function. Genes including Glut4, IRS1, PPAR-γ, PGC1 and Sirt1 were downregulated, whereas uncoupling protein UCP3 was up-regulated, in accordance with mitochondrial dysfunction. Although 2-AA did not alter high-energy phosphates or pH by in vivo³¹P NMR analysis, it significantly reduced the rate of ATP synthesis. This affect was corroborated by results demonstrating down-regulation of the expression of genes involved in energy production and muscle function, and was further validated by muscle function studies. Together, these results further demonstrate that 2-AA, acts as a mediator of interkingdom modulation, and likely effects insulin resistance associated with a molecular signature of mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. Reduced energy production and mitochondrial dysfunctional may further favor infection, and be an important step in the establishment of chronic and persistent infections.

Live-cell high resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy for in vivo analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa metabolomics

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a pathogenic gram-negative bacterium that is widespread in nature, inhabiting soil, water, plants and animals. PA is a prevalent cause of deleterious human infections, particularly in patients whose host defense mechanisms have been compromised. Metabolomics is an important tool used to study host-pathogen interactions and to identify novel therapeutic targets and corresponding compounds. The aim of the present study was to report the metabolic profile of live PA bacteria using in vivo high-resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), in combination with 1- and 2-dimensional HRMAS NMR. This methodology provides a new and powerful technique to rapidly interrogate the metabolome of intact bacterial cells and has several advantages over traditional techniques that identify metabolome components from disrupted cells. Furthermore, application of multidimensional HRMAS NMR, in combination with the novel technique total through-Bond correlation Spectroscopy (TOBSY), is a promising approach that may be used to obtain in vivo metabolomics information from intact live bacterial cells and can mediate such analyses in a short period of time. Moreover, HRMAS ¹H NMR enables the investigation of the associations between metabolites and cell processes. In the present study, we detected and quantified several informative metabolic molecules in live PA cells, including N-acetyl, betaine, citrulline, alanine and glycine, which are important in peptidoglycan synthesis. The results provided a complete metabolic profile of PA for future studies of PA clinical isolates and mutants. In addition, this in vivo NMR biomedical approach might have clinical utility and should prove useful in gene function validation, the study of pathogenetic mechanisms, the classification of microbial strains into functional/clinical groups, the testing of anti-bacterial agents and the determination of metabolic profiles of bacterial mutants.

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling in a murine cancer cachexia model

Approximately half of all cancer patients present with cachexia, a condition in which disease-associated metabolic changes lead to a severe loss of skeletal muscle mass. Working toward an integrated and mechanistic view of cancer cachexia, we investigated the hypothesis that cancer promotes mitochondrial uncoupling in skeletal muscle. We subjected mice to in vivo phosphorous-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (³¹P NMR) spectroscopy and subjected murine skeletal muscle samples to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The mice used in both experiments were Lewis lung carcinoma models of cancer cachexia. A novel ‘fragmented mass isotopomer’ approach was used in our dynamic analysis of ¹³C mass isotopomer data. Our ³¹P NMR and GC/MS results indicated that the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis rate and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux were reduced by 49% and 22%, respectively, in the cancer-bearing mice (p<0.008; t-test vs. controls). The ratio of ATP synthesis rate to the TCA cycle flux (an index of mitochondrial coupling) was reduced by 32% in the cancer-bearing mice (p=0.036; t-test vs. controls). Genomic analysis revealed aberrant expression levels for key regulatory genes and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed ultrastructural abnormalities in the muscle fiber, consistent with the presence of abnormal, giant mitochondria. Taken together, these data suggest that mitochondrial uncoupling occurs in cancer cachexia and thus point to the mitochondria as a potential pharmaceutical target for the treatment of cachexia. These findings may prove relevant to elucidating the mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle wasting observed in other chronic diseases, as well as in aging.

Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant promotes recovery of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function after burn trauma assessed by in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

Burn injury causes a major systemic catabolic response that is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. We investigated the effects of the mitochondria-targeted peptide antioxidant Szeto-Schiller 31 (SS-31) on skeletal muscle in a mouse burn model using in vivo phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance ((31)P NMR) spectroscopy to noninvasively measure high-energy phosphate levels; mitochondrial aconitase activity measurements that directly correlate with TCA cycle flux, as measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS); and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to assess oxidative stress. At 6 h postburn, the oxidative ATP synthesis rate was increased 5-fold in burned mice given a single dose of SS-31 relative to untreated burned mice (P=0.002). Furthermore, SS-31 administration in burned animals decreased mitochondrial aconitase activity back to control levels. EPR revealed a recovery in redox status of the SS-31-treated burn group compared to the untreated burn group (P<0.05). Our multidisciplinary convergent results suggest that SS-31 promotes recovery of mitochondrial function after burn injury by increasing ATP synthesis rate, improving mitochondrial redox status, and restoring mitochondrial coupling. These findings suggest use of noninvasive in vivo NMR and complementary EPR offers an approach to monitor the effectiveness of mitochondrial protective agents in alleviating burn injury symptoms.

Induction of DNA damage and caspase-independent programmed cell death by vitamin E

Vitamin E comprises 8 functionally unique isoforms and may be a suitable candidate for the adjuvant treatment of prostate cancer. In this study, we examined the ability of 2 vitamin E isoforms [α-tocotrienol (γ-TT) and δ-tocotrienol (δ-TT)] and 4 synthetic derivatives [γ- and δ-tocotrienol succinate (γ-TS, δ-TS), α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), and α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol ether (TPGS-e)] of vitamin E to induce cell death in AR- (DU145 and PC-3) and AR+ (LNCaP) prostate cancer cell lines. Our results show that δ-TT and TPGS-e are the most effective isoform and synthetic derivative, respectively, of all compounds examined. Overall, the results of our study suggest that isoforms and synthetic derivatives of vitamin E have the potency to trigger both caspase-dependent and -independent DNA damage and dominant caspase-independent programmed cell death. The capacity of vitamin E to trigger caspase-independent programmed cell death suggests that it may be useful in the chemotherapy of prostate cancer since it may prevent the tumor resistance commonly associated with the use of classical chemotherapeutic agents that trigger caspase-dependent programmed cell death.

Differential antioxidant effects of consuming tea from Sideritis clandestina subsp. peloponnesiaca on cerebral regions of adult mice

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Many species of the genus Sideritis (mountain tea) are widely consumed in the Mediterranean region as herbal tea. This study evaluated the effect of supplementation of mice with herbal tea from Sideritis clandestina subsp. peloponnesiaca on the antioxidant status of different brain regions. To select the most bioactive herbal tea, the polyphenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method) and the antioxidant properties (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays) of several taxa and different populations of the S. clandestina infusions were measured in vitro. Male adult mice had ad libitum access to water (control) or the herbal tea (4% w/v) for 6 weeks. At the end of the treatment period we assessed the total antioxidant power (FRAP assay) and the levels of malondialdehyde (indicator of lipid peroxidation) and reduced glutathione in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and midbrain. These biochemical measures have also been determined in liver samples used as a comparative reference peripheral tissue. Consumption of 4% herbal tea increased the total antioxidant power of the midbrain by 72% (P<.05); a significant (P<.05) decrease in malondialdehyde levels and increase in reduced glutathione content of the cerebellum (78% and 27%, respectively) and midbrain (59% and 32%, respectively) were also observed. These findings indicate that mountain tea consumption enhances the antioxidant defense of the adult rodent brain in a region-specific manner.

Combining magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular genomics offers better accuracy in brain tumor typing and prediction of survival than either methodology alone

Recent advents in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) techniques permit subsequent microarray analysis over the entire human transcriptome in the same tissue biopsies. However, extracting information from such immense quantities of data is limited by difficulties in recognizing and evaluating the relevant patterns of apparent gene expression in the context of the existing knowledge of phenotypes by histopathology. Using a quantitative approach derived from a knowledge base of pathology findings, we present a novel methodology used to process genome-wide transcription and MRS data. This methodology was tested to examine metabolite and genome-wide profiles in MRS and RNA in 55 biopsies from human subjects with brain tumors with ~100% certainty. With the guidance of histopathology and clinical outcome, 15 genes with the assistance of 15 MRS metabolites were able to be distinguished by tumor categories and the prediction of survival was better than when either method was used alone. This new method, combining MRS, genomics, statistics and biological content, improves the typing and understanding of the complexity of human brain tumors, and assists in the search for novel tumor biomarkers. It is an important step for novel drug development, it generates testable hypotheses regarding neoplasia and promises to guide human brain tumor therapy provided improved in vivo methods for monitoring response to therapy are developed.

GC-MS metabolomic analysis reveals significant alterations in cerebellar metabolic physiology in a mouse model of adult onset hypothyroidism

Although adult-onset hypothyroidism (AOH) has been connected to neural activity alterations, including movement, behavioral, and mental dysfunctions, the underlying changes in brain metabolic physiology have not been investigated in a systemic and systematic way. The current knowledge remains fragmented, referring to different experimental setups and recovered from various brain regions. In this study, we developed and applied a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolomics protocol to obtain a holistic view of the cerebellar metabolic physiology in a Balb/cJ mouse model of prolonged adult-onset hypothyroidism induced by a 64-day treatment with 1% potassium perchlorate in the drinking water of the animals. The high-throughput analysis enabled the correlation between multiple parallel-occurring metabolic phenomena; some have been previously related to AOH, while others implicated new pathways, designating new directions for further research. Specifically, an overall decline in the metabolic activity of the hypothyroid compared to the euthyroid cerebellum was observed, characteristically manifested in energy metabolism, glutamate/glutamine metabolism, osmolytic/antioxidant capacity, and protein/lipid synthesis. These alterations provide strong evidence that the mammalian cerebellum is metabolically responsive to AOH. In light of the cerebellum core functions and its increasingly recognized role in neurocognition, these findings further support the known phenotypic manifestations of AOH into movement and cognitive dysfunctions.

Nuclear magnetic resonance in conjunction with functional genomics suggests mitochondrial dysfunction in a murine model of cancer cachexia

Cancer patients commonly suffer from cachexia, a syndrome in which tumors induce metabolic changes in the host that lead to massive loss in skeletal muscle mass. Using a preclinical mouse model of cancer cachexia, we tested the hypothesis that tumor inoculation causes a reduction in ATP synthesis and genome-wide aberrant expression in skeletal muscle. Mice implanted with Lewis lung carcinomas were examined by in vivo³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We examined ATP synthesis rate and the expression of genes that play key-regulatory roles in skeletal muscle metabolism. Our in vivo NMR results showed reduced ATP synthesis rate in tumor-bearing (TB) mice relative to control (C) mice, and were cross-validated with whole genome transcriptome data showing atypical expression levels of skeletal muscle regulatory genes such as peroxisomal proliferator activator receptor γ coactivator 1 ß (PGC-1ß), a major regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and, mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3). Aberrant pattern of gene expression was also associated with genes involved in inflammation and immune response, protein and lipid catabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis and uncoupling, and inadequate oxidative stress defenses, and these effects led to cachexia. Our findings suggest that reduced ATP synthesis is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, ultimately leading to skeletal muscle wasting and thus advance our understanding of skeletal muscle dysfunction suffered by cancer patients. This study represents a new line of research that can support the development of novel therapeutics in the molecular medicine of skeletal muscle wasting. Such therapeutics would have wide-spread applications not only for cancer patients, but also for many individuals suffering from other chronic or endstage diseases that exhibit muscle wasting, a condition for which only marginally effective treatments are currently available.

Caspase-independent pathways of programmed cell death: the unraveling of new targets of cancer therapy?

In the past few years, accumulating evidence in the literature supports the existence of pathways of caspase-independent programmed cell death (CI-PCD). These pathways are likely to be acting as 'death backup systems' that ensure effective removal of defective cells from the organism. Similar to classical apoptosis i.e. caspase-dependent programmed cell death (CD-PCD), the mitochondrion is the main organelle orchestrating the series of events which are required for the induction of CI-PCD. In addition, the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bid are also key participants in CI-PCD. However, contrary to CD-PCD, CI-PCD involves executioners other than the caspases which include the cathepsins, the calpains and serine proteases. The protein AIF may also play an important role in the induction of CI-PCD. In this review we report current knowledge on CI-PCD and provide evidence for its regulation by chemotherapeutic agents currently used in the clinic and under investigation in clinical trials. Lastly, we discuss how the study of natural and synthetic agents triggering CI-PCD may help in the pharmacological design of a new generation of more effective chemotherapeutic drugs. The use of such drugs activating both CD-PCD and CI-PCD pathways should achieve a more successful eradication of carcinogenic cells and the attainment of lower levels of tumor resistance.

Effects of protein phosphorylation on ubiquitination and stability of the translational inhibitor protein 4E-BP1

The availability of the eukaryotic polypeptide chain initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) for protein synthesis is regulated by the 4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs), which act as inhibitors of cap-dependent mRNA translation. The ability of the 4E-BPs to sequester eIF4E is regulated by reversible phosphorylation at multiple sites. We show here that, in addition, 4E-BP1 is a substrate for polyubiquitination and that some forms of 4E-BP1 are simultaneously polyubiquitinated and phosphorylated. In Jurkat cells inhibition of proteasomal activity by MG132 enhances the level of hypophosphorylated, unmodified 4E-BP1 but only modestly increases the accumulation of high-molecular-weight, phosphorylated forms of 4E-BP1. In contrast, inhibition of protein phosphatase activity with calyculin A reduces the level of unmodified 4E-BP1 but strongly enhances the amount of phosphorylated, high-molecular-weight 4E-BP1. Turnover measurements in the presence of cycloheximide show that, whereas 4E-BP1 is normally a very stable protein, calyculin A decreases the apparent half-life of the normal-sized protein. Affinity chromatography on m(7)GTP-Sepharose indicates that the larger forms of 4E-BP1 bind very poorly to eIF4E. We suggest that the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 may play a dual role in the regulation of protein synthesis, both reducing the affinity of 4E-BP1 for eIF4E and promoting the conversion of 4E-BP1 to alternative, polyubiquitinated forms.

Changes in levator ani anatomical configuration following physiotherapy in women with stress urinary incontinence

PURPOSE

We quantified the effect of pelvic floor muscle training on the anatomical configuration of the levator ani using magnetic resonance imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five female participants with stress urinary incontinence underwent magnetic resonance imaging before and after participating in a pelvic floor muscle physiotherapy program. Axial T1-weighted images of the levator ani were taken with the participant in a supine position. Source images were then manually segmented and surface modeling was applied to build a 3-dimensional model of the levator ani. Models were then measured to determine the levator ani surface area as well as the encircled volume at rest and during voluntary contraction. The percentage of levator ani retraction and symphysis pubis movement during voluntary contraction before and after physiotherapy were also measured.

RESULTS

After physiotherapy the levator ani surface area at rest was significantly smaller than before physiotherapy, decreasing from 677.11 +/- 45.00 to 620.48 +/- 36.14 mm(2) (p = 0.04). The relative reduction in volume encircled by the levator ani during contraction increased significantly from -11.66 +/- 7.42 to -26.02 +/- 13.52 mm(3) (p = 0.04). Levator ani surface retraction during a voluntary contraction increased significantly from 65.61% +/- 17.07% to 81.70% +/- 16.30% (p = 0.02). Symphysis pubis movement during pelvic floor muscle contraction decreased from 1.45 +/- 1.32 to 0.44 +/- 0.61 mm (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this preliminary study indicate that pelvic floor muscle training results in anatomical changes in the levator ani and reduction of pubic movement. These results provide insight into the possible anatomical mechanisms through which physiotherapy enables the pelvic floor muscle to minimize urine leakage.