Lipid droplets participate in modulating innate immune genes in Ctenopharyngodon idella kidney cells

Lipid droplets (LDs) are increasingly being recognized as important immune modulators in mammals, in additional to their function of lipid ester deposition. However, the role of LDs in fish immunity remains poorly understood. In this study, the function of LDs in the innate immune response of Ctenopharyngodon idella kidney (CIK) cells, which are the equivalent of myeloid cells in vertebrates, was investigated. LD number and TG content significantly increased in the CIK cells following exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN), and polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (Poly [I: C]) for 24 h, accompanied by increases in the relative expression of several innate immune genes. However, fatty acid compositions of the triglycerides were not changed after treatment with these three pathogenic mimics. LPS, PGN, and Poly (I: C) did not alter the relative expressions of lipogenic (FAS, SCD, and DGAT) and lipid catabolic (PPARα, ATGL, and CPT-1) genes. However, these treatments did increase the mRNA levels of lipid transportation genes (FATP/CD36, ACSL1, and ACSL4), and also decreased the non-esterified fatty acid level in the medium. To further explore the role of LDs in the immune response, CIK cells were incubated with different concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μM) of exogenous lipid mix (LM; oleic acid [OA]:linoleic acid [LA]:linolenic acid [LNA] = 2:1:1), and were then transferred to a lipid-free medium and incubated for 24 h. LD size and number increased with the increase in lipid levels, and this was accompanied by increased expression of innate immune genes, including MyD88, IRF3, and IL-1β, which were expressed at their highest levels in 300 μM exogenous lipid mix. Interestingly, after incubating with different fatty acids (LM, OA, LA, LNA, arachidonic acid [ARA], and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]; 300 μM), ARA and DHA were more potent in inducing LD formation and innate immune gene expression in the CIK cells. Finally, atglistatin, an ATGL inhibitor, effectively attenuated the expression of most genes upregulated by ARA or DHA, suggesting that lipolysis may be involved in the regulation of immune genes at the transcriptional level. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that LDs are functional organelles that could act as modulators in the innate immune response of CIK cells. Additionally, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid enriched LDs play a unique role in regulating this process.

Lipid accumulation in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fed faba beans (Vicia faba L.)

Feeding faba beans (Vicia faba L.) to grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) increases muscle compactness but decreases growth and motility. The lipid metabolism of grass carp was examined to assess potential effects of feeding faba beans on physiological properties using a total of 180 fish. The treatment group was fed faba beans for 120 days and a commercial diet for another 30 days. The control group received a commercial diet for 150 days. Fish were sampled every month. Weight gain was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control. Hardness, springiness, chewiness, cohesiveness, and gumminess of the dorsal muscle increased significantly with the feeding faba beans from 30 to 120 days, which was not reversed by the subsequent feeding of commercial diet. Fat accumulation increased significantly in the treatment group as suggested by the condition factor, viscera index, hepatopancreatic index, and intraperitoneal fat index (IPFI), hepatopancreas, and muscle fat content but was not affected by subsequent feeding with the commercial diet. Serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in the experimental diet group. In the hepatopancreas and intraperitoneal fat IPF, monounsaturated fatty acids showed significantly higher content in faba bean feeding fish, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acid content showed the reversed pattern. In the hepatopancreas, the activities of the lipogenic enzymes malate dehydrogenase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase were higher in the treatment than in the control group. Moreover, the treatment group showed lower mRNA levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1. Overall, our results clearly demonstrate increasing lipid accumulation in the viscera of faba bean-fed grass carp.

Smad4-dependent regulation of type I collagen expression in the muscle of grass carp fed with faba bean

Smad4 is the key regulator in the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signal pathway, and is also the crux of the regulation of type I collagen expression in mammals. In fish, however, the relationship between Smad4 and type I collagen is still unknown. Given the widely accepted importance of type I collagen in fish muscle hardness, we seek to explore this issue by analyzing the expressions of the TGF-β1/Smads pathway molecules and type I collagen in the muscle of crisp grass carp fed with faba bean, which shows increased muscle hardness. The study found that (1) in the process of feeding the grass carp with faba bean, the mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad4 all increased along with the increase of type I collagen expression (Col1α1 and Col1α2); (2) one day after the injection of Smad4 over-expression vector, both mRNA and protein expressions of Col1α1 and Col1α2 significantly increased, reaching the maximum on the 2nd and 5th day, respectively; (3) one day after the injection of Smad4 RNAi interference vector, the mRNA and protein expressions of Col1α1 and Col1α2 decreased, reaching the minimum on the 5th day. These results revealed that Smad4 is the major regulator of type I collagen in the muscle of grass carp fed with faba bean. This study would provide an important mechanistic basis for nutritional regulation of type I collagen in the muscle of fish.

[Isoelectric focusing analysis of Echinococcus multilocularis protoscolex antigens]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the components of the crude antigens of Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces.

METHODS

Isoelectric focusing was carried out to fractionate the protein components of E. multilocularis protoscoleces. The individual fractions were collected and subjected to SDS-PAGE, the gels were analyzed by a gel analysis system.

RESULTS

The pI values of individual fractions varied from 4.0 to 8.5, while the molecule weights of main protein bands were 72/73, 62/63, 42/44, 35/36, 34 and 21/22 kDa.

CONCLUSION

An alternative separation method of crude antigens of Echinococcus multilocularis was established.

Effects of erbium,chromium:YSGG laser irradiation on canine mandibular bone

BACKGROUND

Only relatively few reports have described the morphological effects on bone produced by erbium,chromium: yttrium,scandium,gallium,garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation, and none has investigated the atomic changes or estimated the temperature increases involved. The objectives of this study were to investigate the morphological, atomic, and temperature changes in irradiated areas during and after laser irradiation, and to evaluate the cutting effect on canine mandibular bone in vitro.

METHODS

Two canine mandibular bones were cut into 3 to 5 cm pieces and irradiated by an Er,Cr:YSGG laser utilizing a water-air spray at 5 W and 8 Hz for 10 or 30 seconds. During and after laser irradiation, temperature increases in the irradiated areas were measured by thermography. The samples were then observed by stereoscopy and scanning electron microscopy to determine morphological changes and by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy to evaluate atomic alterations.

RESULTS

Regular holes or grooves having sharp edges and smooth walls were produced, but no melting or carbonization was observed. The maximum temperature increase was an average 12.6 degrees C for 30-second irradiation. The continuous time of a temperature increase of more than 10 degrees C was consistently less than 10 seconds. An atomic analytical examination revealed that the calcium:phosphorus ratio was not significantly changed between the lased and unlased areas (P>0.0 1).

CONCLUSION

These results showed that the Er,Cr:YSGG laser cuts canine mandibular bone effectively without burning, melting, or altering the calcium:phosphorus ratio of the irradiated bone.

Study on acid resistance of human dental enamel and dentin irradiated by semiconductor laser with Ag(NH3)2F solution

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acquired acid resistance of human dental enamel and dentin treated by 38% diamine silver fluoride [Ag(NH3)2F] solution and semiconductor (diode) laser irradiation in vitro.

BACKGROUND DATA

There have been no reports on the acid-resistant effect by combined use of fluoride and semiconductor laser.

METHODS

Sixty crowns of extracted human molars were divided into two groups for enamel and dentin samples, and each group was subdivided into three subgroups of 10 each. Each subgroup of enamel and dentin samples served as a control; one was treated with Ag(NH3)2F and the other was treated with Ag(NH3)2F and semiconductor laser irradiation at 2 W for 30 sec. Then all samples were immersed in 5 ml of 0.1 M lactic acid (pH 4.8) at 37 degrees C for 24 h. The concentration of calcium ion (Ca2+) dissolved in the solution was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the samples were observed by stereoscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

In both enamel and dentin samples, dissolved Ca2+ concentration in Ag(NH3)2F- or Ag(NH3)2F- and laser-treated group was significantly decreased compared with that in the control (p < 0.01). SEM findings showed that numerous cubic particles ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 mcirom were observed only in the combined treated groups of both enamel and dentin samples.

CONCLUSIONS

A significantly decreased solubility of human enamel and dentin was acquired after treatment by Ag(NH3)2F and semiconductor laser irradiation, which suggested that this combined use has the capability of a more efficient acid-resistant effect on human dental hard tissues.

Effects of erbium, chromium:YSGG laser irradiation on root surface: morphological and atomic analytical studies

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological and atomic changes on the root surface by stereoscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) after erbium, chromium:yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation in vitro.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

There have been few reports on morphological and atomic analytical study on root surface by Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation.

METHODS

Eighteen extracted human premolar and molar teeth were irradiated on root surfaces at a vertical position with water-air spray by an Er,Cr:YSGG laser at the parameter of 5.0 W and 20 Hz for 5 sec while moving. The samples were then morphologically observed by stereoscopy and FE-SEM and examined atomic-analytically by SEM-EDX.

RESULTS

Craters having rough but clean surfaces and no melting or carbonization were observed in the samples. An atomic analytical examination showed that the calcium ratio to phosphorus showed no significant changes between the control and irradiated areas (p > 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that the Er,Cr:YSGG laser has a good cutting effect on root surface and causes no burning or melting after laser irradiation.

Effects of erbium,chromium:YSGG laser irradiation on root canal walls: a scanning electron microscopic and thermographic study

The present study evaluates the morphological changes in root canal walls and temperature changes at root surfaces as a result of intracanal irradiation by erbium,chromium:YSGG laser under various conditions in vitro. Sixty single-rooted human teeth were examined. Root canals were prepared, and laser irradiation was performed using an optic fiber at output powers ranging from 1 to 6 W with or without water spray cooling. Specimens were evaluated by stereoscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermography. Carbonization and cracks were observed in all samples irradiated without cooling, whereas little or no carbonization and no smear layer or debris were observed in samples irradiated with cooling. Maximum temperature rise at irradiation without cooling was above 37 degrees C, whereas that at irradiation with cooling was 8 degrees C. Results of the present study indicate that erbium,chromium:YSGG laser irradiation with water spray cooling is a useful method for removal of smear layer and debris from root canals.

Morphological and atomic analytical studies on enamel and dentin irradiated by an erbium, chromium:YSGG laser

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this study were to investigate the morphological and atomic analytical changes and to evaluate the cutting effect on dental hard tissues of this laser in vitro.

BACKGROUND DATA

There have been few reports on morphological and atomic analytical study of dental hard tissues after erbium,chromium:yttrium,scandium,gallium,garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation.

METHODS

Eighteen extracted human molars were sectioned into 3-mm-thick slices, which were irradiated with water-air spray by an Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 6.0 W and 20 Hz for 5 sec for enamel and 5.0 W and 20 Hz for 5 sec for dentin. The samples were then morphologically observed and examined atomic-analytically.

RESULTS

Regular holes having sharp edges and smooth walls, but no melting or carbonization, were observed in both samples. An atomic analytical examination showed that the calcium ratio to phosphorus showed no significant changes between the lased areas and unlased areas (p > 0.01).

CONCLUSION

These results showed that the Er,Cr:YSGG laser has a good cutting effect on dental hard tissues and offers advantages of no burning or melting after laser irradiation.

Study on removal effects of filling materials and broken files from root canals using pulsed Nd:YAG laser

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to investigate the capability of removing the filling materials or broken files from root canals with pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation at three parameters, and to evaluate the temperature rises on root surfaces and morphological changes of root canal walls in vitro.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

There has been no report on removing the filling materials and broken instruments from root canals with laser irradiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six extracted human incisors were divided into two groups of 18 each. Eighteen root canals were shaped and obturated with gutta-percha and root canal sealer. In another 18 specimens, 3-mm long fractures of files were performed intentionally during root canal preparation. A pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation was performed repeatedly at three parameters of 1, 2, and 3 W to remove the filling materials or file fragments. Temperature rises on root surfaces during laser irradiation were measured by thermography, and the remaining of obturated materials and morphological changes of root canal walls were evaluated by stereoscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

In more than 70% of the teeth, the obturated materials were completely removed by laser, and in more than 55% of the teeth, the broken files were successfully removed. Temperature rises ranging from 17 degrees C to 27 degrees C were measured from 6 to 11 repeated times.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that a pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation has the capability of removing the obturated materials in root canals and is useful for removing the broken files in same if the counter-measure reducing the temperature rise is performed.

Alveolar echinococcosis: Em2plus-ELISA and Em18-western blots for follow-up after treatment with albendazole

Eleven cases of alveolar echinococcosis (Echinococcus multilocularis infection) with non-resectable lesions but treated with albendazole for 17 to 69 months were followed-up clinically and serologically for 4.5-11.5 years. Based on the clinical outcome and computerized tomography (CT) scanning, they were divided into 4 groups of 2 cured cases, 5 stabilized cases, 3 cases with recurrences, and one treatment failure. Forty-seven sequentially collected sera from the 11 cases were analysed by sequential enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using Em2plus antigen (Em2plus-ELISA) and Western blotting to detect antibody response against Em18 (Em18-Western blots). The antibody levels in one of the cured and 2 of the stabilized cases fell below the cut-off level in the Em2plus-ELISA 4.5-6 years after effective treatment, whereas all other cases, including 2 of those with recurrences, showed large reductions initially but increased again during the follow-up period. Em18-Western blots of the 2 cured cases and 2 of the stabilized cases became negative. IgG subclasses with responses against Em18 which fell to zero included IgG1 (2), IgG3 (one) and IgG4 (one). All other cases showed no decrease in antibody response against Em18. There were, in general, reasonably reliable correlations between the success or failure of chemotherapy and antibody responses by Em2plus-ELISA and Em18-Western blots. These results suggest that both Em2plus-ELISA and Em18-Western blot are potentially useful in evaluating and predicting the efficacy of chemotherapy.

The long-term effects of aerosol pentamidine on pulmonary function. The Toronto Aerosolized Pentamidine Study (TAPS) Group

Aerosolized pentamidine (AP) has been widely used for prophylaxis of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) since 1988. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of AP on pulmonary function. Of 36 patients with AIDS who were receiving AP for secondary prophylaxis of PCP, 13 patients had been using AP continuously for more than 52 weeks. AP was given using a Fisoneb ultrasonic nebulizer with five loading doses of 60 mg over two weeks, followed by one dose of 60 mg every two weeks. Baseline PFT were TLC 92 +/- 14% pred, FVC 90 +/- 11% pred, FEV1 91 +/- 11% pred, FEF25-75 95 +/- 17% pred, and DLCO (corrected for hemoglobin) 70 +/- 22% pred. No significant change in TLC, FVC, FEV1, or DLCO was seen after 56 weeks of AP. There was a 20% fall in FEF25-75 seen after 56 weeks, which was statistically significant. However, the clinical significance of a fall of this magnitude in the FEF25-75 is uncertain. Similar results were seen in a smaller subset of patients who received AP for at least 76 weeks. Although the small sample size must be considered, this data suggests that there is no clinically significant change in pulmonary function associated with the use of AP for up to 76 weeks.

Respiratory muscle weakness in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. A field study

A field study on respiratory muscle function and basic pulmonary mechanics was conducted at an international convention of 200 individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Forty patients with respiratory symptoms were evaluated; 15 had significant respiratory muscle dysfunction and 25 were normal. The results suggest that proximal upper limb involvement in individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a simple but significant predictor of respiratory muscle dysfunction.