Effects of long-term administration of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM-17938 on circulating levels of 5-HT and BDNF in adults with functional constipation

Accumulated evidence shows that some probiotic strains ameliorate functional constipation (FC) via the modulation of specific gastrointestinal peptide pathways. The aims of this study were to investigate: (1) the effects of long-term administration of Lactobacillus reuteri (LR) DSM 17938 on the serum levels of serotonin (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); (2) the possible link between 5-HT, BDNF, and specific constipation-related symptoms; (3) whether genetic variability at the 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and BDNF Val66Met loci could be associated with serum 5-HT and BDNF variations. LR DSM 17938 was administered to 56 FC patients for 105 days in a randomised, double-blind manner. The fasting blood samples were collected during the randomisation visit (V₁), at day 15 (induction period, V₂), day 60 (intermediate evaluation, V₃), and day 105 (V₄) and the Constipaq questionnaire (the sum of Constipation Scoring System (CSS) and patient assessment constipation quality of life (PAC-QoL)) was administered. A group of healthy subjects was enrolled as controls (HC). At V1, the mean serum 5-HT level in the whole patient group was significantly higher (P=0.027) than in HC subjects, while serum BDNF did not. At the end of probiotic administration (V4), 5-HT and BDNF levels were significantly lower than the initial values (V1) (P=0.008 and P=0.015, respectively). 5-HT and BDNF serum concentration were significantly associated (r=0.355; P=0.007). Neither 5-HT nor BDNF serum levels correlated with the CSS item scores and with the PAC-QoL. Lastly, the regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of the S allele of the 5-HTTLPR accounted for the reduction in the 5-HT concentration at V4. In conclusion, the long-term administration of LR DSM 17938 demonstrated that such a probiotic strain could improve FC by affecting 5-HT and BDNF serum concentrations.

Plasma concentrations but not serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor are related to pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

OBJECTIVES

To investigate peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations in the perioperative period, their relationship with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1 tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-6 genetics.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Prospective, observational study. BDNF, TGF-β1, IL-6 and TNF-α were analysed at baseline (T0), 5 h (T1), 24 h (T2) and 5 days (T3) after surgery, in 21 patients. The IL-6 -174 G/C polymorphism was genotyped.

RESULTS

Serum BDNF concentrations decreased (P=0.048), correlated with TGF-β1 (r=0.610 at T1, r=0.493 at T2, r=0.554 at T3). Plasma BDNF concentrations raised (P=0.049), correlated with IL-6 and TNF-α at T1 (r=0.495 and r=0.441, respectively). BDNF response was predictable from TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations and the IL-6 -174 G/C genotype.

CONCLUSION

Serum and plasma BDNF concentrations could relate to platelet activation and inflammatory response, respectively. IL-6 genetics played a role in the BDNF acute response.

Metabolic effects of a diet with inulin-enriched pasta in healthy young volunteers

Different lines of evidence suggest that higher intake of fiber may somehow protect against metabolic syndrome. The prebiotic inulin has widely been studied in relation to its putative beneficial effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. Therefore, adding inulin to diet may be a suitable strategy to prevent metabolic syndrome. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the daily consumption of inulin-enriched pasta on lipid and glucose metabolism as well as on gastrointestinal motility in young healthy subjects. Methods. Twenty-two healthy young male volunteers entered a randomized double blind cross-over study consisting of a 2-weeks a run-in period, two 5-weeks study periods (11% inulin-enriched or control pasta), and an 8-weeks wash-out period in between. Serum lipid and glucose concentrations were evaluated by routine biochemical analyses. Gastric emptying time and electrical activity were non-invasively evaluated by ultrasound and electrogastrography. Data were analyzed by Friedman Repeated Measures ANOVA test. Results. Significant differences among baseline and the treatment group were found for HDL-cholesterol (p=0.004), total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio (p=0.006), triglycerides (p=0.04), fasting glucose level (p=0.044), fructosamine (p=0.0478), HbA1c (p=0.04), and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) (p=0.045). The gastric emptying, expressed as final emptying time, was found significantly delayed in the group that assumed inulin-enriched pasta (p=0.008). Conclusions. Inulin-enriched pasta improved lipidic and glicidic metabolism as well as the insulin resistance in healthy young subjects. In addition, it delayed the gastric emptying time which may represent the physiological counterpart of its metabolic effects.

Lipoprotein(a), lipids and proinflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background

The aims were to investigate whether surgical stress can induce a positive or negative lipoprotein(a) acute response, to determine any association with apolipoprotein(a) phenotypes, and to establish whether any such response is dependent on changes in lipids and proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, the impact of interleukin (IL) 6 genetic variability on the cytokine response to surgery was examined.

Methods

This prospective, observational study included 41 patients with cancer referred for abdominal surgery. Preoperative (T0) plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a), IL-6, tumour necrosis factor α, and serum concentrations of transforming growth factor β1 and lipids, were compared with values obtained 5 h (T1), 24 h (T2) and 5 days (T3) after surgery. Apolipoprotein(a) Kringle IV (KIV)-VNTR (variable-number tandem repeat) and IL-6 − 174 G/C polymorphisms were analysed.

Results

Lipoprotein(a) was found to act as a negative acute-phase reactant (30·0 per cent reduction at T2) (P = 0·009). Surgery had a more profound impact on subjects with low KIV-VNTR. After surgery, lipoprotein(a) correlated significantly with corrected low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (r = 0·408 at T2). IL-6 inversely correlated with lipoprotein(a) (r = −0·321 at T1) and LDL-cholesterol (r = −0·418 at T1). The IL-6 response could be predicted from a combination of the surgical severity and −174 G/C genotype.

Conclusion

Although temporal associations did not indicate causality, these data provide a hypothesis to explain the inverse relationship between lipoprotein(a) and IL-6.

Helicobacter pylori is associated with modified lipid profile: impact on Lipoprotein(a)

OBJECTIVES

Helicobacter pylori is a controversial risk factor for atherosclerosis. We investigated whether the bacterium persistent inflammation or the expression of the cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) may affect serum lipids as well as Lipoprotein(a).

DESIGN AND METHODS

Two hundred-eleven healthy volunteers were evaluated for lipids and Lipoprotein(a). Helicobacter pylori was characterized by Urea Breath Test and IgG-anti-CagA. apo(a) Kringle-IV polymorphism was genotyped.

RESULTS

Prevalence of the infection was 72%; 43% of subjects expressed CagA reactivity. Infected subjects showed increased levels of cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol atherogenic index. Association with the Helicobacter pylori CagA(-) strains persisted after the adjustment for covariates. Significant difference between infected and uninfected subjects was found in Lipoprotein(a) levels. This difference did not arise from the Kringle-IV genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The infection per se significantly modified serum lipid and Lipoprotein(a) concentrations. CagA does not seem to be a reliable marker of pathogenicity for the atherogenic complications of H. pylori infection.

The expression pattern of the AML1 gene in non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphomas and normal B lymphocytes

We have studied the expression of the three human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) genes in primary samples of non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphomas in which translocations involving these loci were not present. We found a widespread expression of the three AML genes in all the lymphoma samples as well as in the purified normal B-lymphocytes. Thus, the presence of the three mRNAs "per se" does not allow the identification of the pathological status. However, AML1 showed a different transcription pattern in the neoplastic tissues with respect to the normal B-cells. The AML1b isoform proved to be peculiar to this lymphoma. Our data support the idea that qualitative and quantitative alterations of AML1 gene expression deriving from deregulating mechanisms other than translocations may be involved in this malignancy. The usage of two differently regulated promoters driving the expression of the transcripts AML1b and AML1c may be one of these mechanisms. Finally, we report the presence of a new alternatively spliced transcript in normal B-cells.

In search of a biological pattern for human longevity: impact of apo A-IV genetic polymorphisms on lipoproteins and the hyper-Lp(a) in centenarians

We studied centenarians to investigate the biological basis of human longevity focusing on the apolipoprotein A-IV and lipoprotein(a), potentially involved in the susceptibility to atherogenic mechanisms. We analyzed two restriction polymorphisms, HinfI347 (alleles +, -) and Fnu4HI360 (alleles 1, 2), and a VNTR (alleles 3, 4) at the 3' region of the apo A-IV gene. The allele frequencies, the lipoprotein concentrations and their association in centenarians and adults have been compared. In centenarians, the HinfI genotype distribution is different (P < 0.05) and the (+13) haplotype is prevalent (0.54 vs. 0.39), with a greater association of (+3), indicating the selection of a favourable allele. The lipoprotein modulation by the apo A-IV polymorphisms is suggested by significant associations in adults ((+/+) homozygotes have lower LDL-cholesterol and apo B than heterozygotes; (1/1) homozygotes have higher TG and apo B than heterozygotes), that in centenarians still exists as a trend. Centenarians show peculiar lipoprotein features: lower LDL-cholesterol (mean 103 vs. 115 mg/dl; P < 0.02), and higher lipoprotein(a) (median 17.5 vs. 4.5; P < 0.002). Large part of them (47%), especially the Hinf(+/+) and the (+13) homozygotes, have a lipoprotein(a) > 20 mg/dl, value considered as the threshold for atherogenic risk, surprisingly compatible with healthy longevity.

A new Italian case of lipoprotein lipase deficiency: a Leu365- > Val change resulting in loss of enzyme activity

We describe a second Italian family with primary Lipoprotein Lipase deficiency. A new mutation in exon 8 causes a Leu365- > Val change resulting in severe mass reduction and loss of enzyme activity. We suggest that this change interferes with the correct folding and stability of the protein and impairs the assembly of the active homodimer. The procedures applied are useful to screen a large sample of population for genetic variants and allow the clear identification of asymptomatic heterozygous subjects at risk from atherosclerosis disease.

Correct usage of a mutated G+1 splice site and transcript quantitation in a lipoprotein lipase-deficient patient

The consequence on the splice mechanism of a mutation occurring at the donor splice site of intron 1 has been studied. We demonstrate that, in spite of the change at G+1 position, this site is still utilized and can produce correctly spliced transcript. Nevertheless the mRNA is detectable only after an 'in vitro' amplification. A procedure has been developed to reveal and quantify the minute amount present in the patient. The very low mRNA level results in a total lack of enzyme, the cause of the disease. The procedure can be useful in cases of rare transcripts and when the source is limited. Furthermore we analyse the interaction between the splice consensus sequence and the small nuclear RNA, that is the necessary intermediate of the splicing mechanism. We speculate on the reasons why cryptic sites are not utilized and only the authentic site can be used, although significantly destabilized by the mutation.

A G----C change at the donor splice site of intron 1 causes lipoprotein lipase deficiency in a southern-Italian family

We describe a new case of lipoprotein lipase deficiency in a proband from a Southern-Italian family. Enzyme activity and mass were absent. Amplification and sequencing of individual exons, intron boundaries and the regulatory region revealed only one homozygous G----C transversion at the first nucleotide of intron 1. The single strand conformation polymorphism analysis proved to be a helpful tool for the identification of the single base mutation. Northern hybridization failed to reveal the presence of mature lipoprotein lipase mRNA. The mutation, which destroys the conserved dinucleotide at the junction site of intron 1, causes defective mRNA splicing and it is responsible for the deficiency.

Children's reactions to war-related stress. Affective symptoms and behaviour problems

Questionnaire responses from mothers of 1,039 Lebanese 3-9 yr olds were used to study the effects of children's experiences in war on their emotional and social behaviour. Children who had experienced death of a family member, forced displacement of family, or destruction of home or had witnessed death (30% of sample) were about 1.7 times more likely than those who had not to exhibit nervous, regressive, aggressive and depressive behaviour reactions to a general war stress situation (shelling). Findings are discussed with respect to: (a) research relating stressful life events to onset of psychological disorder and (b) societal implications of youngsters' being repeatedly exposed to models of aggression and the violent resolution of interpersonal disputes.