The role of protein restriction and interaction with antibiotics in the regulation of compensatory growth in pigs: growth performance, serum hormone concentrations, and messenger RNA levels in component tissues of the endocrine growth axis

The present study investigated the effects of protein restriction and antibiotics on the hypothalamus-pituitary-liver growth axis during the compensatory growth of growing and finishing pigs. Growth performance, serum hormones, and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of hormones and their receptors in growth axis tissues were recorded for analyses. A total of 64 piglets (large white × Landrace × Duroc cross) with an initial weight of 10.07 ± 0.14 kg were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups of 16 piglets per group. The dietary treatments consisted of 2 protein levels (14% and 20%) and 2 antibiotic levels (no antibiotics and 20 mg/kg colistin sulfate with 50 mg/kg kitasamycin) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The study was performed over 30 d for the first stage (S1, restriction phase) and 74 d for the second stage (S2, realimentation phase). The 4 treatment diets were maintained throughout the duration in the restriction phase. The 4 groups were fed the same diet in the realimentation phase. The trial period totaled 104 d. Protein restriction decreased BW, average daily food intake, and ADG in weaning pigs (P < 0.01) and induced compensatory growth after feeding a normal diet during the growth of finishing pigs. Average daily gain increased during the last phase of compensatory growth (P < 0.01). Protein restriction increased serum GH and leptin (LEP) and the mRNA levels of liver IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1-R; P < 0.01) but decreased serum IGF-1 (P < 0.01) and the mRNA levels of liver GH receptor (GH-R; P < 0.01) and IGF-1 (P < 0.05) in weaning piglets. Serum GH was increased, but serum IGF-1 was decreased during the realimentation phase (P < 0.05). Antibiotics increased the mRNA levels of GHRH (P < 0.05) and decreased somatostatin (P < 0.01) in the hypothalamus of weaning pigs. Protein restriction and antibiotics had no interactions across the entire trial. In conclusion, the slowing of growth caused by early protein restriction may be compensated for in the later stages of pig raising, and the mechanism of compensation is related to the regulation of GH, IGF-1, GH-R, and IGF-1-R.

"ON-OFF-ON" fluorescent probes based on nitrogen-doped carbon dots for hypochlorite and bisulfite detection in living cells

Although hypochlorite (ClO-) and bisulfite (HSO3-) play important roles in the biological immune system and the aging process of living organisms, they are also classified as a third type of carcinogens. Hence, a convenient and efficient method to monitor ClO- and HSO3- in ecological environments is highly desired. In this article, an "ON-OFF-ON" fluorescent probe based on nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) for the detection of ClO- and HSO3- has been demonstrated successfully. Because of the destruction of the surface passivation layer, the fluorescence of the N-CDs was quenched by ClO-. Furthermore, the quenched fluorescence of the N-CDs was restored efficiently through the increase in conjugation from the attached sulfo groups, indicating the feasibility of ClO- and HSO3- detection. This fluorescent probe exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity to ClO- and HSO3- detection with the limits of detection (LODs) of 3.4 μM and 0.27 μM in aqueous solution, respectively. In addition, the as-prepared N-CDs were successfully applied to detect both ClO- and HSO3- in living cells due to their low toxicity and fast response speed.

Genetic polymorphisms of loci D18S53, D18S59, and D18S488 in fetuses from a Chinese Tianjin Han population

We investigated the genetic polymorphisms of three short tandem repeat (STR) loci, D18S53, D18S59, and D18S488, on chromosome 18 in fetuses from a Chinese Tianjin Han population. Sixty-four villus samples and 374 amniotic fluid samples were collected from fetuses. Quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify the STR loci, followed by scanned electrophoresis and quantitative analysis of the fluorescence signals. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) analysis was performed based on the genotype distributions of the STR loci to obtain the following population genetic data: genotype frequency, heterozygosity of observation (HO), polymorphism information content (PIC), probability of discrimination power (PD), and probability of exclusion (PE). We detected 15, 13, and 15 alleles of D18S53, D18S59, and D18S488, respectively. The genotype frequencies were found to be in line with HWE. The HO values of the three loci, D18S53, D18S59, and D18S488, were 0.797, 0.847, and 0.792; the PIC values were 0.81, 0.75, and 0.73; the PD values were 0.944, 0.901, and 0.881; and the PE values were 0.593, 0.689, and 0.585, respectively. D18S53, D18S59, and D18S488 loci are good genetic markers of chromosome 18, and show potential for use in the prenatal genetic diagnosis of Edwards' syndrome.

Molecular-like hierarchical self-assembly of monolayers of mixtures of particles

We present a technique that uses an externally applied electric field to self-assemble monolayers of mixtures of particles into molecular-like hierarchical arrangements on fluid-liquid interfaces. The arrangements consist of composite particles (analogous to molecules) which are arranged in a pattern. The structure of a composite particle depends on factors such as the relative sizes of the particles and their polarizabilities, and the electric field intensity. If the particles sizes differ by a factor of two or more, the composite particle has a larger particle at its core and several smaller particles form a ring around it. The number of particles in the ring and the spacing between the composite particles depend on their polarizabilities and the electric field intensity. Approximately same sized particles form chains (analogous to polymeric molecules) in which positively and negatively polarized particles alternate.

Blocking autophagy enhanced cytotoxicity induced by recombinant human arginase in triple-negative breast cancer cells

Depletion of arginine by recombinant human arginase (rhArg) has proven to be an effective cancer therapeutic approach for a variety of malignant tumors. Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) lack of specific therapeutic targets, resulting in poor prognosis and limited therapeutic efficacy. To explore new therapeutic approaches for TNBC we studied the cytotoxicity of rhArg in five TNBC cells. We found that rhArg could inhibit cell growth in these five TNBC cells. Intriguingly, accumulation of autophagosomes and autophagic flux was observed in rhArg-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine (CQ), 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and siRNA targeting Beclin1 significantly enhanced rhArg-induced cytotoxic effect, indicating the cytoprotective role of autophagy in rhArg-induced cell death. In addition, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a common antioxidant, blocked autophagy induced by rhArg, suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) had an essential role in the cytotoxicity of rhArg. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of autophagy involved in rhArg-induced cytotoxicity in TNBC cells. Meanwhile, our results revealed that rhArg, either alone or in combination with autophagic inhibitors, might be a potential novel therapy for the treatment of TNBC.

Recombinant human arginase induced caspase-dependent apoptosis and autophagy in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cells

Arginase, an arginine-degrading enzyme, has gained increased attention recently as a new experimental therapeutics for a variety of malignant solid cancers. In this study, we found that recombinant human arginase (rhArg) could induce remarkable growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and caspase-dependent apoptosis in Raji and Daudi non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) cells through arginine deprivation. Interestingly, rhArg-treatment resulted in the appearance of autophagosomes and upregulation of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 II, indicating that rhArg induced autophagy in lymphoma cells. Further study suggested that mammalian target of rapamycin/S6k signaling pathway may be involved in rhArg-induced autophagy in NHL cells. Moreover, blocking autophagy using pharmacological inhibitors (3-methyladenine and chloroquine) or genetic approaches (small interfering RNA targeting autophagy-related gene 5 and Beclin-1) enhanced the cell killing effect of rhArg. These results demonstrated that rhArg has a potent anti-lymphoma activity, which could be improved by in combination with autophagic inhibitors, suggesting that rhArg, either alone or in combination with autophagic inhibitors, could be a potential novel therapeutics for the treatment of NHL.

Vaccination with IL-18 gene-modified, superantigen-coated tumor cells elicits potent antitumor immune response

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the induction of antitumor immune response by vaccination with interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene-modified, C215Fab-SEA-coated tumor cells.

MATERIALS

A B16-C215 cell clone stably expressing C215 antigen was established by transfecting the gene-encoding C215 antigen into B16 melanoma cells. The manipulated tumor cell vaccine was prepared with B16-C215 cells genetically modified with the IL-18 gene, coated with the fusion protein of SEA and the Fab region of C215 mAb (C215Fab-SEA) which specifically binds to the C215 antigen and then irradiated. C57BL/6 mice were vaccinated with IL-18 gene-modified, C215Fab-SEA-coated B16-C215 cells followed by tumor challenge. Tumor growth and survival time were observed. The expansion of CD4+, CD8+ cells in lymphocytes derived from draining lymph node was detected by FACS. Induction of CTL activity by vaccination was measured by 51Cr release assay.

RESULTS

IL-18 gene-modified, C215Fab-SEA-coated B16-C215 cell vaccine effectively stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and CD4+, CD8+ cell expansion in vitro. It was more immunogenic than B16-C215 cells genetically modified with IL-18 gene alone or B16-C215 cells coated with C215Fab-SEA alone. Immunization of the mice with the manipulated vaccine elicited protective immunity against the following tumor challenge of parental B16-C215 and wild-type B16 cells. Significant expansion of CD4+, CD8+ T cells was observed in the draining lymph node of the immunized mice when compared with that in unvaccinated mice. Higher CTL activity was induced in vaccinated mice than that in unvaccinated mice.

CONCLUSION

Vaccination with IL-18 gene-modified, C215Fab-SEA-coated tumor cells elicited potent antitumor response through induction of tumor-specific immune response.

Can head injury patients simulate malingering?

In the past few years, there have been many simulation studies on the efficacy of symptom validation tests. These typically involved nonclinical participants. This line of research was limited because the impact of the experience of head injury was not examined. Researchers failed to understand whether individuals with head injury would feign cognitive deficits on symptom validation tests as well as their nonclinical counterparts did. This study was designed to investigate simulation of memory deficits among the head injured on the Portland Digit Recognition Test (PDRT; Binder, 1993). Head injury patients, with and without corroborated brain damage, and a group of controls were involved to resemble clinical populations. Results showed that false negative rates ranged from 67% to 84% when participants were asked to feign memory difficulty on the PDRT. Head injury patients, regardless of corroboration of brain damage, were equally capable of feigning memory deficits on the PDRT as their nonclinical counterparts. Findings suggest that the additive value of symptom validity tests, such as the PDRT, can be limited for their use as malingering tests.

Activation-dependent changes in receptor distribution and dendritic morphology in hippocampal neurons expressing P2X2-green fluorescent protein receptors

ATP-gated P2X(2) receptors are widely expressed in neurons, but the cellular effects of receptor activation are unclear. We engineered functional green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged P2X(2) receptors and expressed them in embryonic hippocampal neurons, and report an approach to determining functional and total receptor pool sizes in living cells. ATP application to dendrites caused receptor redistribution and the formation of varicose hot spots of higher P2X(2)-GFP receptor density. Redistribution in dendrites was accompanied by an activation-dependent enhancement of the ATP-evoked current. Substate-specific mutant T18A P2X(2)-GFP receptors showed no redistribution or activation-dependent enhancement of the ATP-evoked current. Thus fluorescent P2X(2)-GFP receptors function normally, can be quantified, and reveal the dynamics of P2X(2) receptor distribution on the seconds time scale.

Dexamethasone inhibits the antigen presentation of dendritic cells in MHC class II pathway

Glucocorticoids (GC) are physiological inhibitors of inflammatory responses and are widely used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents in treatment of many autoimmune and allergic diseases. In the present study, we demonstrated that one of the mechanisms by which GC can suppress the immune responses is to inhibit the differentiation and antigen presentation of dendritic cells (DC). DC were differentiated from murine bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cells by culture with GM-CSF and IL-4 with or without dexamethasone (Dex). Our data showed that Dex, in a dose dependent manner, down-regulated surface expression of CD86, CD40, CD54 and MHC class II molecules by DC, but the expression of MHC class I, CD80, CD95 and CD95L were not affected. In addition, Dex-treated DC showed an impaired function to activate alloreactive T cells and to secrete IL-Ibeta and IL-12p70. Moreover, Dex inhibited DC to present antigen by MHC class II pathway. However, the endocytotic activity of DC was not affected. The inhibitory effect of Dex on the expression of costimulatory molecules and the antigen-presenting capacity of DC could be blocked by the addition of RU486, a potent steroid hormone antagonist, suggesting the requirement of binding to cytosolic receptors in the above-described action of Dex. Since DC have the unique property to present antigen to responding naive T cells and are required in the induction of a primary response, the functional suppression of DC by Dex may be one of the mechanisms by which GC regulate immune responses in vivo.

Constituents of red yeast rice, a traditional Chinese food and medicine

Detailed analyses were undertaken of the natural constituents of red yeast rice, a traditional Chinese medicine and food known for centuries to improve blood circulation. Preparation of red yeast rice following ancient methods by fermenting the fungal strain Monascus purpureus Went on moist and sterile rice indicated the presence of a group of metabolites belonging to the monacolin family of polyketides, together with fatty acids, and trace elements. The presence of these compounds may explain in part the cholesterol-lowering ability associated with this traditional Chinese food.

Long-term neuropsychological sequelae of severe burns

Eight patients who suffered severe burns and protracted periods of amnesia following those burns were evaluated for neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric problems between 6 months and 4 years following their accidents. All were found to have significant problems as evidenced in neuropsychological testing, activities of daily living, and reports from relatives. Findings on these burn patients with postburn amnesia were quite different from those of five burn patients who did not develop amnesia. Problems observed and reported in the burn-amnesia patients appeared to reflect clear neuropathological etiologies, which was not unexpected because their initial amnestic syndromes must also have been the result of significant central nervous system dysfunction. It is recommended that severe burn patients have neuropsychological, psychiatric, and neurological exams as part of routine postburn care.

Expression of a dominant negative TrkB receptor, T1, reveals a requirement for presynaptic signaling in BDNF-induced synaptic potentiation in cultured hippocampal neurons

We have developed a method to analyze the relative contributions of pre- and postsynaptic actions of a particular gene product in neurons in culture and potentially in slices using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. A recombinant virus directed the expression of both a GFP reporter protein and TrkB.T1, a C-terminal truncated dominant negative TrkB neurotrophin receptor. When expressed in the presynaptic cell at synapses between embryonic hippocampal neurons in culture, the dominant negative TrkB.T1 inhibited two forms of synaptic potentiation induced by the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): (i) greater evoked synaptic transmission and (ii) higher frequency of spontaneous miniature synaptic currents. These inhibition effects are not seen if the transgene is expressed only in the postsynaptic cell. We conclude that BDNF-TrkB signal transduction in the presynaptic terminal leads to both types of potentiation and is therefore the primary cause of synaptic enhancement by BDNF in these neurons.

[Therapeutic effects of combined suicide gene and cytokine gene therapy on erythroleukemia-bearing mice]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the antitumor effect of combined transfer of suicide gene and GM-CSF gene in erythroleukemia-bearing mice.

METHODS

Adenovirus harboring E. coli. cytosine deaminase (CD) gene (Ad-CD) and/or GM-CSF gene (Ad-GM-CSF) were used for the treatment of erythroleukemia-bearing mice. The mice were inoculated with FBL-3 erythroleukemia cells subcutaneously and 3 days later received Ad-CD followed by 5-fluorocytosine (5FC) treatment with or without Ad-GM-CSF.

RESULTS

The mice received Ad-CD/5FC and Ad-GM-CSF developed tumors more slowly and survived much longer than those received Ad-CD/5FC alone, Ad-GM-CSF alone, control virus Ad-LacZ/5FC or PBS. Combined transfer of CD gene and GM-CSF gene induced a higher specific CTL activity than control therapies did. Pathological examination illustrated that there were tumor necrosis and massive lymphocyte infiltration in the mice after the combined therapy.

CONCLUSION

Combined transfer of suicide gene and cytokine gene could synergistically inhibit the growth of erythroleukemia cells in the mice and induce tumor specific immunity of the host.

Dietary habits, food intake and functional outcomes in those with a history of Hansen's disease in Korea

This study shows that the nutrition and health status of ex-leprosy patients in Korea was marginal. Their nutrient intakes were low, especially from micronutrients which were associated with food from animal sources. Dietary quality was discriminated by food habits, such as skipping meals, irregularity of meals, food purchase and meal preparation. Dietary quality was best predicted by food habits followed by physical fitness and nutrition knowledge. Our subjects were nutrition-conscious, but they did not have accurate information. These findings suggest that our study population needs nutrition education.

[Antitumor effect of combined therapy with adenovirus-mediated CD suicide gene and interleukin 2 gene transfer and its immunological mechanism]

OBJECTIVE

Adenovirus harboring E. coli cytosine deaminase gene(AdCD) and adenovirus harboring interleukin 2 gene (AdIL-2) were used for the combined treatment of established tumors in vivo.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with B16F10 melanoma cells and 3 days later received at the tumor site injections of AdCD and/or AdIL-2 followed by i.p. injection of 5-fluorocytosine (5-Fc) 300 mg/kg per day for 10 days.

RESULTS

Mice received combined therapy developed tumors more slowly and survived much longer when compared with mice treated with AdCD/5-Fc, AdIL-2, control adenovirus AdlacZ/5-FC, or PBS. To investigate the immunological mechanism of the antitumor effects of the combined treatment it was found to induce enhanced natural killer cell activity and specific cytotoxic T cell activity. FACS analysis demonstrated that AdIL-2/AdCD/5-Fc therapy increased the expression of H-2Kb and B7-1 on freshly isolated tumor cells. The CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration in the tumor increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

Transfer of CD suicide gene plus 5-Fc combined with transfer of IL-2 gene synergistically inhibits the growth of melanoma in mice. Besides the cytotoxic effect of 5-Fc, specific and non-specific antitumor immunity might be responsible for the therapeutic effect. The combined therapy might have therapeutic potentials for human cancer.

In vivo gene therapy of murine melanoma mediated by recombinant vaccinia virus encoding human IL-2 gene

Direct gene transfer into somatic tissue iii vivo is a developing technology with potential application for cancer gene therapy. In this study, recombinant vaccinia virus encoding human IL-2 gene (rVV-IL-2) was used as a candidate vector in mediating iii vivo gene therapy. After rVV-IL-2 was expanded in VERO cells for 72 h, high titer (10(8)-10(10) PFU/ml) rVV-IL-2 were harvested. When 10(6) murine melanoma cells (F16-F10) were infected with rVV-IL-2, about 200 U/ml IL-2 activity was detected in the supernatants at 8 h, and the up-regulation of ICAM-1 and MHC-I expressions on the melanoma cells were observed. The treatment of murine melanoma model by local injection of rVV-IL-2 into the tumor site showed that rVV-IL-2 transfection significantly inhibited the tumor growth and prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. The splenocytes from rVV-IL-2 treated mice showed higher cytotoxicities of NK, LAK and CTL in comparison with those from the controls. These results suggest that in vivo transfection mediated by rVV-IL-2 has potential effectiveness in enhancing host immunity and would be a useful approach to cancer gene therapy.

Clinical observation on efficacy of electro-acupuncture therapy in hyperplasia of mammary glands and its effect on immunological function

Based on our work on electro-acupuncture therapy of hyperplasia of mammary glands and in order to observe further the relationship between immunological function and E2 in hyperplasia of mammary glands, we determined the change not only in immunological function before and after electro-acupuncture in 44 in-patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands and having the same menstruation date, but also in electro-acupuncture treated rat hyperplasia of mammary glands model. We found that there was decrease of immunological function in hyperplasia of mammary glands and this function could be remarkably enhanced by electro-acupuncture both in hyperplasia of mammary glands patients and in rat hyperplasia of mammary glands model. The mechanism implies it might be that the inhibitory effect on immunological function exerted by high concentration of E2 was lowered by electro-acupuncture, hence the immunological function was reinforced. The results of this study are important in exploration of both the pathogenesis of this disease and the mechanism of electro-acupuncture, and in reducing the incidence of breast carcinoma.

[Therapeutic effect of vaccinia virus secreting granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on pulmonary metastatic melanoma]

A recombinant vaccinia virus containing and expressing the gene of murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (VVGM-CSF) was tested for its antitumor activity. Murine pulmonary metastasis was established by injecting 2 x 10(5) B16F10 melanoma cells into tail vein of C57BL/6 mouse. Three days after B16F10 inoculation, VVGM-CSF or VVTK, a thymidine kinase gene deficient vaccinia virus, was injected intraperitoneally twice weekly for 2 weeks. Two weeks later mice were sacrificed and pulmonary metastasis foci counted. The results showed that VVGM-CSF treatment significantly decreased the number of pulmonary metastasis and prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice (P < 0.01). Cytotoxic and phagocytic activities of peritoneal macrophages were found to be markedly elevated in mice treated with VVGM-CSF. Nitric oxide released from macrophages was also found to be increased. Based on these data, together with our previous results, we may speculate that continuous secretion of GM-CSF and activation of macrophages might partially explain the antitumor effects of VVGM-CSF.