Supplementation with Silybum marianum Extract, Synbiotics, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamins, and Minerals: Impact on Biochemical Markers and Fecal Microbiome in Overweight Dogs

Overweight and obese dogs can develop metabolic dysfunction, characterized by an inflammatory response and involvement of liver functions. If a modulation of the gut microbiome and its interaction with the gut-liver axis is implicated in the development of metabolic dysfunction, exploration becomes necessary. Over the past decade, diverse therapeutic approaches have emerged to target pathogenic factors involved in metabolic dysfunction. This study investigated the impact of a supplement with hepatoprotective activity, containing extracts of Silybum marianum, prebiotics, probiotics, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals on hematological markers of liver functions and inflammation, as well as on the intestinal microbiota of 10 overweight adult dogs over a 35-day time span. Animals underwent clinical and laboratory evaluations every 7 days, both before the administration of the supplement (T0) and after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). In comparison to T0, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in ALP, glucose, direct bilirubin, and CRP was observed from T3 to T5. The alpha diversity of the fecal microbiota significantly decreased (p < 0.05) only at T1, with high variability observed between dogs. Total short-chain fatty acid and lactic acid were also lower at T1 (p < 0.05) compared to the other times of sampling. The beta diversity of the fecal microbiota failed to show a clear pattern in relation to the sampling times. These results of blood parameters in overweight dogs show a reduction of the inflammation and an improvement of metabolic status during the study period, but the effective contribution of the supplement in this clinical outcome deserves further investigation. Furthermore, the considerable individual variability observed in the microbiome hinders the confident detection of supplement effects.

Characterization of the Blood Microbiome and Comparison with the Fecal Microbiome in Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Gastrointestinal Disease

Recent studies have found bacterial DNA in the blood of healthy individuals. To date, most studies on the blood microbiome have focused on human health, but this topic is an expanding research area in animal health as well. This study aims to characterize the blood microbiome of both healthy dogs and those with chronic gastro-enteropathies. For this study, blood and fecal samples were collected from 18 healthy and 19 sick subjects, DNA was extracted through commercial kits, and the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced on the Illumina platform. The sequences were analyzed for taxonomic annotation and statistical analysis. Alpha and beta diversities of fecal microbiome were significantly different between the two groups of dogs. Principal coordinates analysis revealed that healthy and sick subjects were significantly clustered for both blood and fecal microbiome samples. Moreover, bacterial translocation from the gut to the bloodstream has been suggested because of found shared taxa. Further studies are needed to determine the origin of the blood microbiome and the bacteria viability. The characterization of a blood core microbiome in healthy dogs has potential for use as a diagnostic tool to monitor for the development of gastro-intestinal disease.

Factors Affecting Gut Microbiota of Puppies from Birth to Weaning

The review described the most important factors affecting the development of the intestinal microbiota in puppies from birth to weaning. The health and well-being of the microbiome in puppies is influenced by the type of parturition, the maternal microbiota, and the diet of the mother, directly or indirectly. The isolation of bacteria in dogs from the placenta, fetal fluids, and fetuses suggests that colonization could occur before birth, although this is still a matter of debate. Accordingly, newborn puppies could harbor bacteria that could be of maternal origin and that could influence microbial colonization later in life. However, the long-term impacts on health and the clinical significance of this transfer is not yet clear and needs to be investigated. The same maternal bacteria were found in puppies that were born vaginally and in those delivered via cesarean section. Potentially, the relationship between the type of parturition and the colonization of the microbiome will influence the occurrence of diseases, since it can modulate the gut microbiome during early life. In addition, puppies' gut microbiota becomes progressively more similar to adult dogs at weaning, as a consequence of the transition from milk to solid food that works together with behavioral factors. A number of researches have investigated the effects of diet on the gut microbiota of dogs, revealing that dietary interference may affect the microbial composition and activity through the production of short-chain fatty acids and vitamins. These compounds play a fundamental role during the development of the fetus and the initial growth of the puppy. The composition of the diet fed during pregnancy to the bitches is also an important factor to consider for the health of newborns. As far as it is known, the effects of the type of parturition, the maternal microbiota, and the diet on the microbial colonization and the long-term health of the dogs deserve further studies. Definitely, longitudinal studies with a larger number of dogs will be required to assess a causal link between microbiome composition in puppies and diseases in adult dogs.

Incubation of canine dermal fibroblasts with serum from dogs with atopic dermatitis activates extracellular matrix signalling and represses oxidative phosphorylation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on gene expression in canine fibroblasts after incubation with a medium enriched with atopic dermatitis canine serum (CAD) compared with healthy canine serum (CTRL) and fetal bovine serum (FBS). Differential Expression and Pathway analysis (iDEP94) in R package (v0.92) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with a False Discovery Rate of 0.01. DEGs from fibroblasts incubated with CAD serum were significantly upregulated and enriched in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and focal adhesion signalling but downregulated in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Genes involved in profibrotic processes, such as TGFB1, INHBA, ERK1/2, and the downward regulated genes (collagens and integrins), were significantly upregulated after fibroblasts were exposed to CAD serum. The observed downregulation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation suggests metabolic dysregulation toward a myofibroblast phenotype responsible for fibrosis. No differences were found when comparing CTRL with FBS. The DEGs identified in fibroblasts incubated with CAD serum suggest activation of signalling pathways involved in gradual differentiation through a myofibroblast precursors that represent the onset of fibrosis. Molecular and metabolic knowledge of fibroblast changes can be used to identify biomarkers of the disease and new potential pharmacological targets.

One-year results from the FLXibility post-approval study: final real-world clinical outcomes with a next-generation left atrial appendage closure device

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Boston Scientific Corporation, Marlborough, MA, USA

Background

The WATCHMAN FLX left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device received CE-mark and FDA approval based on the results of the PINNACLE FLX IDE study, but evidence of outcomes with this next-generation device in everyday clinical practise is limited.

Purpose

The FLXibility Post-Approval Study collected real-world data on patients implanted with a WATCHMAN FLX in a routine clinical practise.

Methods

Patients were implanted with a WATCHMAN FLX per local standard of care, with a subsequent first follow-up visit from 45-120 days post-implant and a final follow-up at 1 year post procedure. A Clinical Event Committee adjudicated all major adverse events and TEE/CT imaging results were adjudicated by a core laboratory.

Results

Among 300 patients enrolled at 17 centres in Europe, the mean age was 74.6±8.0 years, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.3±1.6, mean HAS-BLED score was 2.6±1.0, and 62.1% were male. The device was successfully implanted in 99.0% (297/300) of patients; 97.0% (289/298) required only 1 device for an implantation attempt and no patient required &gt;2 devices. TEE was used for 78% of procedures and ICE for 22%. The post-implant medication regimen was DAPT for 87.3% (262/300). At first follow-up, among 170 patients with evaluable imaging, 87.6% (149/170) had no leak, 12.4% (21/170) had leak &gt;0mm to ≤5mm with 16 (9.4%) of these &lt;3mm, and no patient had leak &gt;5mm, per core lab adjudication. At 1 year, 93.3% (280/300) patients had final follow-up or death. At final follow-up, 61% of patients were on a single antiplatelet medication, 21% were on DAPT, 6% were on a direct oral anticoagulation medication, and 12% were not taking any antiplatelet/anticoagulation medication. One-year all-cause mortality was 10.8% (32/295), among which 5.1% (15/295) were cardiovascular or unexplained. Disabling stroke occurred in 1.0% (3/295) of patients and nondisabling stroke also in 1.0% (3/295) of patients; all were nonfatal. No patient experienced a systemic embolism. Device-related thrombus was detected in 2.4% (7/295) patients. Pericardial effusion requiring surgery or pericardiocentesis occurred in 1.0% (3/295), with all of these events occurring in the first 7 days post-procedure. Cumulative BARC-3 or -5 bleeding occurred in 3.7% (11/300) of patients from 0 to 7 days, in 7.3% (22/300) at 6 months, and in 8.1% (24/295) patients at 1 year. One patient (0.3%) had a peri-procedural device embolisation, with no subsequent device embolisations or any device migration reported for any patient through 1 year.

Conclusions

The WATCHMAN FLX device had excellent procedural success rates, with high effective LAA closure rates and low serious adverse event rates in everyday clinical practise.

Single-Step Genome Wide Association Study Identifies QTL Signals for Untrimmed and Trimmed Thigh Weight in Italian Crossbred Pigs for Dry-Cured Ham Production

Simple Summary

Along with the traditional traits, swine breeding programs for Italian dry-cured ham production have recently aimed to include novel phenotypes. The identification of the genomic regions underlying such new traits helps to untangle their genetic architecture and may provide useful information to be integrated in genetic selection. With this aim, we estimated genetic parameters and conducted a single step genome wide association studies (GWAS) on untrimmed and trimmed thigh weight considering two pig crossbred lines approved for Italian Protected Designation of Origin ham production. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were characterized based on the variance of 10-SNP sliding windows genomic estimated breeding values. In particular, we identified interesting QTL signals on several chromosomes, notably on chromosome 4, 6, 7 and 15. A high heritability and genetic correlation were observed for the two traits under investigation and although independent studies including other pig populations are required to disentangle the possible effects of specific linkage disequilibrium in our population, our findings suggest that such QTL could be investigated in future pig breeding programs to improve the reliability of genomic estimated breeding values for the dry-cured ham production.

Abstract

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) dry-cured ham is the most important product in the Italian pig breeding industry, mainly oriented to produce heavy pig carcasses to obtain hams of the right weight and maturity. Recently, along with the traditional traits swine breeding programs have aimed to include novel carcass traits. The identification at the genome level of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting such new traits helps to reveal their genetic determinism and may provide information to be integrated in prediction models in order to improve prediction accuracy as well as to identify candidate genes underlying such traits. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters and perform a single step genome wide association studies (ssGWAS) on novel carcass traits such as untrimmed (UTW) and trimmed thigh weight (TTW) in two pig crossbred lines approved for the ham production of the Italian PDO. With this purpose, phenotypes were collected from ~1800 animals and 240 pigs were genotyped with Illumina PorcineSNP60 Beadchip. The single-step genomic BLUP procedure was used for the heritability estimation and to implement the ssGWAS. QTL were characterized based on the variance of 10-SNP sliding window genomic estimated breeding values. Moderate heritabilities were detected and QTL signals were identified on chromosome 1, 4, 6, 7, 11 and 15 for both traits. As expected, the genetic correlation among the two traits was very high (~0.99). The QTL regions encompassed a total of 249 unique candidate genes, some of which were already reported in association with growth, carcass or ham weight traits in pigs. Although independent studies are required to further verify our findings and disentangle the possible effects of specific linkage disequilibrium in our population, our results support the potential use of such new QTL information in future breeding programs to improve the reliability of genomic prediction.

Blood Microbiome: A New Marker of Gut Microbial Population in Dogs?

The characterization of the microbial population in different compartments of the organism, such as the gastrointestinal tract, is now possible thanks to the use of high-throughput DNA sequencing technique. Several studies in the companion animals field have already investigated the fecal microbiome in healthy or sick subjects; however, the methodologies used in the different laboratories and the limited number of animals recruited in each experiment do not allow a straight comparison among published results. Previously, our research focused on the characterization of the microbial taxa variability in 340 fecal samples from 132 healthy dogs, collected serially from several in-house experiments. The results supported the responsiveness of microbiota to dietary and sex factors and allowed us to cluster dogs with high accuracy. For the present study, intestinal and blood microbiota of healthy dogs from different breeds, genders, ages and food habits were collected, with three principal aims: firstly, to confirm the results of our previous study regarding the fecal microbiome affected by the different type of diet; secondly, to investigate the existence of a blood microbial population, even in heathy subjects; and thirdly, to seek for a possible connection between the fecal and the blood microbiota. Limited researches have been published on blood microbiota in humans, and this is the first evidence of the presence of a bacterial population in the blood of dogs. Moreover, gut and blood microbiota can discriminate the animals by factors such as diet, suggesting some relationship between them. These preliminary results make us believe in the use of the blood microbiome for diagnostic purposes, such as researching and preventing gut inflammatory diseases.

Muscle ring finger-1 is required to prevent age-related cardiac hypertrophy and interstitial remodelling

Purpose

The Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS) is a selective degradation system mediating the removal of intracellular unfolded/misfolded proteins and is essential for cardiomyocyte (CM) health. Substrate specificity and ubiquitination rate are mediated by E3 ubiquitin-ligases, such as Atrogin1 and MuRF1, which are specifically expressed in muscle cells. Perturbation of protein quality control causes aggregation of misfolded proteins, leading to CM proteotoxicity. UPS dysfunction occurs in ageing, a risk factor for cardiac hypertrophy and HF. We recently demonstrated that Atrogin-1 is essential to maintain CM health, during ageing. Whether MuRF1 plays similar roles in heart adaptation to ageing is still unexplored, and different studies have yielded contrasting results.

Methods

To assess the role of MuRF1 in heart homeostasis, we combined echocardiography, histology, IF, TUNEL assay and EM on heart sections from MuRF1 knock-out (KO) mice, and littermate controls, at 3, 10 and 24 mo. RTqPCR and WB assessed markers of UPS and extracellular matrix. Langendorff procedure was used to separate CMs from cardiac fibroblasts. Molecular and IF analyses were performed in heart samples from patients affected by aortic stenosis.

Results

MuRF1 ablation leads to cardiac hypertrophy, progressing during ageing (LV CM areas: 3 mo., KO: 329.14±10.66 vs Ctrl: 296.25±5.43; 10 mo., KO: 399.73±7.64 vs Ctrl: 247.49±3.67; 24 mo., KO: 418.89±11.10 vs. Ctrl: 209.93±4.48, in μm2). The hypertrophic remodeling was accompanied by diastolic dysfunction in the adulthood and, during ageing, also by systolic dysfunction (EF, 24 mo., KO: 29.55±8.82 vs Ctrl: 51.23±6.56, in %). Loss of MuRF1 causes increased interstitial collagen -I and -VI deposition, even before the onset of contractile dysfunction, followed by activation of Matrix MetalloProteinases (MMPs), suggesting that such alterations may be responsible for decreased cardiac performance. Interestingly, collagen established rings enveloping MuRF1 KO CMs and such fibrotic remodeling was not accompanied by increased CM apoptosis, nor myofibroblast activation. Such peculiar remodelling, called peri-endomysial fibrosis, was detected in hearts from patients with aortic stenosis, a condition in which MuRF1 levels decrease. Our data supports that MuRF1 has a role in CM-dependent regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics. Consistently, MuRF1 downregulation in normal cultured CMs demonstrated that such ubiquitin ligase impacts on signaling pathways involved in the control of the ECM homeostasis. In addition, fibroblasts treated with culture medium conditioned by MuRF1 KO CM display increased collagen and MMP expression.

Conclusions

We identifieded a novel role of MuRF1 in the control of CM proteostasis, and unveiled that in addition to cardiac fibroblasts, CM may directly regulate ECM dynamics, indicating that the correct function of MuRF1 is essential for heart adaptation to aging.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): University of Padova

Outcomes associated with respiratory failure for patients with cardiogenic shock and acute myocardial infarction: a substudy of the culprit-shock trial

Background

Respiratory insufficiency with the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) is one of the most common indications for admission to intensive care units. However, little is known about the clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infraction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) who require mechanical ventilation (MV). The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes associated with the provision of MV in this specific high-risk population.

Methods

Patients with CS complicating AMI and multivessel coronary artery disease from the CULPRIT-SHOCK trial were included. We explored clinical outcome within 30 days in patients not requiring MV, those with MV on admission, and those in whom MV was initiated within the first day after admission.

Results

Among 683 randomized patients included in the analysis, 17.4% received no MV, 59.7% were ventilated at admission and 22.8% received MV within or after the first day after admission. Patients requiring MV were younger, more frequently non-smokers, had higher body mass indices, presented more often with clinical signs of impaired organ perfusion including worse renal function, higher burden of coronary artery disease, were more likely to have experienced resuscitation within 24h before admission, had worse left ventricular function, and presented more often with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The primary endpoint of all-cause death or need for renal replacement therapy occurred in 21.8% of patients without MV, in 53.3% of patients with MV at admission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.17–11.47, p=0.002, compared to patients without) and 65.4% of patients with MV initiated within the first day after admission (aOR 8.09 95% CI 4.32–15.16, p&lt;0.001, compared to patients without). Factors independently associated with the provision of MV on admission included higher body weight, resuscitation within 24h before admission, elevated heart rate and evidence of triple vessel disease.

Conclusions

Requiring MV in patients with CS complicating AMI is common and independently associated with mortality after adjusting for covariates. Patients with delayed MV initiation appear to be at higher risk of adverse outcomes. Further research is necessary to identify the optimal timing of MV in this high-risk population.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): Swiss National Foundation

Mitochondria and cellular redox state on the route from ageing to Alzheimer's disease

Several theories have been postulated, trying to explain why and how living organisms age. Despite some controversies and still huge open questions, a growing body of evidence suggest alterations of mitochondrial functionality and redox-homeostasis occur during the ageing process. Oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction do not represent the cause of ageing per se but they have to be analyzed within the complexity of those series of processes occurring during lifespan. The establishment of a crosstalk among them is a shared common feature of many chronic age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, for which ageing is a major risk factor. The challenge is to understand when and how the interplay between these two systems move towards from normal ageing process to a pathological phenotype. Here in this review, we discuss the crosstalk between mitochondria and cytosolic-ROS. Furthermore, through a visual data mining approach, we attempt to describe the dynamic interplay between mitochondria and cellular redox state on the route from ageing to an AD phenotype.

Learning machine approach reveals microbial signatures of diet and sex in dog

The characterization of the microbial population of many niches of the organism, as the gastrointestinal tract, is now possible thanks to the use of high-throughput DNA sequencing technique. Several studies in the companion animals field already investigated faecal microbiome in healthy or affected subjects, although the methodologies used in the different laboratories and the limited number of animals recruited in each experiment does not allow a straight comparison among published results. In the present study, we report data collected from several in house researches carried out in healthy dogs, with the aim to seek for a variability of microbial taxa in the faeces, caused by factors such as diet and sex. The database contains 340 samples from 132 dogs, collected serially during dietary intervention studies. The procedure of samples collection, storage, DNA extraction and sequencing, bioinformatic and statistical analysis followed a standardized pipeline. Microbial profiles of faecal samples have been analyzed applying dimensional reduction discriminant analysis followed by random forest analysis to the relative abundances of genera in the feces as variables. The results supported the responsiveness of microbiota at a genera taxonomic level to dietary factor and allowed to cluster dogs according this factor with high accuracy. Also sex factor clustered dogs, with castrated males and spayed females forming a separated group in comparison to intact dogs, strengthening the hypothesis of a bidirectional interaction between microbiota and endocrine status of the host. The findings of the present analysis are promising for a better comprehension of the mechanisms that regulate the connection of the microorganisms living the gastrointestinal tract with the diet and the host. This preliminary study deserves further investigation for the identification of the factors affecting faecal microbiome in dogs.

Gut Microbiome of Healthy and Arthritic Dogs

Several studies have underlined the interplay among host-microbiome and pathophysiological conditions of animals. Research has also focused specifically on whether and how changes in the gut microbiome have provoked the occurrence of pathological phenomena affecting cartilage and joints in humans and in laboratory animals. Here, we tried to evaluate the relationship between the gut microbiome and the hip and elbow arthritis in owned dogs. The study included 14 dogs suffering from chronic arthritis (AD) and 13 healthy dogs (HD). After the first visit and during the period of the study, the dogs, under the supervision of the owner, were fed a semi-moist complete diet supplemented with omega 3 fatty acids. Feces and blood samples were collected in the clinic at the first visit (T0) and after days (T45). The plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) was higher, and the serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) in the AD group in comparison to the HD group. Data of the fecal microbiome showed that the relative abundances of the genus Megamonas were higher in AD (p < 0.001), while the relative abundance of the families Paraprevotellaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, and Mogibacteriaceae was significantly lower in comparison to HD. The results of the study identified several bacterial groups that differed significantly in the fecal microbiome between healthy and diseased dogs. If the observed differences in fecal bacterial composition predispose dogs to hip and elbow arthritis or if these differences reflect a correlation with these conditions deserves further investigation.

Effect of different starch sources in a raw meat-based diet on fecal microbiome in dogs housed in a shelter

A dietary intervention study was assessed to determine if different sources of starch in homemade diets could significantly modify fecal microbiome of dogs. Twenty-seven adult dogs were enrolled and fed a diet based on a mixture of rice and pasta with fresh raw meat (CD). After 90 d, 8 dogs continued to receive CD diet, 10 dogs received a diet made of a raw meat and a complementary food with rice as the main source of starch (B1), and 9 dogs were fed a diet with the same raw meat and a complementary food with potato as the main source of starch (B2). Samples of feces were collected from each dog in the mornings at the beginning of the study and after 15 d and analyzed for pH, ammonia N (N–NH₃) and total N, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lactic acid. Relative abundance of fecal microbiota was assessed by sequencing and annotating the V3–V4 regions of the 16S rRNA. Total starch intake was similar between diets but differed in the in vitro rate digestion and in the resistant starch, which was higher in B2 than in B1 and CD diets. Dogs fed B2 diet showed lower (P < 0.05) N–NH₃ and pH but higher (P < 0.05) molar proportion of lactic acid. Linear discriminant analysis of the genera relative abundances indicated a significant (P < 0.01) increase of SMB53 genus at the end of the study in B1 diet and of Megamonas genus in B1 and B2 diets in comparison to CD diet. These results suggest that changes of starch source in a raw meat-based diet have limited effects on fecal microbiome in healthy dogs, but underline a high variability of microbiota among dogs.

262Circulating muscle-derived mir-206 links skeletal muscle dysfunction to cardiac autonomic denervation

Purpose

Recent studies and our preliminary data demonstrate that muscle-specific ablation of the autophagy-related protein Atg7, leads to block of autophagy, sarcopenia and destabilization of the neuro-muscular junction (NMJ). In addition, Atg7 knock-out (Atg7 KO) muscle fibers release exosomes containing the muscle specific, miR-206, which is consistently elevated in the plasma. Interestingly, we found that miR-206 content was elevated in the heart, suggesting cardiac uptake of the miR-carrying circulating exosomes. We thus aimed at defining the effects of miR-206 on heart homeostasis.

Methods

Here, we analyzed the cardiac phenotype of adult (12mo.) and aged (24mo.) Atg7 KO mice, as well as of adult C57BL/6J mice injected, via tail vein, with scramble- or miR-206-loaded exosomes. Exosomes were isolated from EDL muscle of control and Atg7 KO mice, as well as from HEK293 cells. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography and ECG-telemetry. Confocal IF, whole-mount IF on heart blocks and multiphoton imaging were used to assess heart structure and sympathetic innervation. Bioinformatics, molecular and biochemical analyses were performed to identify novel targets of miR-206. IF, BRET assay and imaging of TrKA translocation were performed in cultured sympathetic neurons (SNs).

Results

We demonstrate that circulating exosomes, containing miR-206, are taken up by the heart leading to sympathetic dysinnervation, accompanied to reduction in the neurogenic control of cardiac rhythm and increased arrhythmogenesis. In vitro assays demonstrated that exosome-carried miR-206 targets cardiac SNs (cSNs), compromising cell structure and function. Indeed, increased miR-206 expression is accompanied by cSN atrophy, irregular axonal distribution of the active neurotransmitter release sites, and reduction in axonal sprouting. These effects are likely attributed to the miR-206-mediated down-regulation of the NGF receptor p75, as demonstrated by bioinformatics, luciferase assay, molecular and biochemical analyses in vitro and ex vivo. BRET assay, performed in cultured SNs treated with exosomes carrying miR-206, showed reduced formation of p75/TrkA complexes, which generate high-affinity binding sites for NGF and enhance neurotrophin responsiveness. Consistent with impaired NGF retrograde transport, miR-206 over-expressing SNs displayed reduced NGF protein content and decreased phosphorylation of Akt, which is an NGF downstream target, regulating neuronal survival. Interestingly, these latter results were confirmed in the stellate ganglia from Atg KO and miR-206 treated mice.

miR-206 causes heart dysinnervation

Conclusions

We identify miR-206 as a key molecular player in the “muscle-to-heart” communication. miR-206 may participate to the pathogenesis of secondary cardiac dysfunction in skeletal muscle diseases associated to increased circulating levels of miR-206, ranging from ageing to neurodegenerative disorders (i.e. ALS, DMD).

1155Prognostic impact of SYNTAX Score in patients with myocardial infarction with multivessel coronary artery disease and cardiogenic shock: insight from the CULPRIT-SHOCK Trial

Background

The majority of patients presenting with myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiogenic shock (CS) have multivessel coronary artery disease. The prognosis impact of the SYNTAX score (SS) in this setting remains unknown.

Purpose

To evaluate the prognosis value of the SS in this high-risk population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

Methods

The CULPRIT-SHOCK trial was an international, open-label trial, where patients presenting with MI and multivessel disease complicated by CS were randomized to a culprit-lesion-only or an immediate multivessel PCI strategy. Pre-PCI SS was assessed by a central core laboratory and patients were categorized as low SS (SS ≤22), intermediate SS (22<SS≤32) and high SS (SS>32). Adjudicated endpoints of interest were the risks of all-cause death or renal replacement therapy at 30 days and all-cause death at 1 year. Associations between SYNTAX score and outcomes were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

SS was available in 632 patients, of whom 265 (41.9%), 211 (33.4%) and 156 (24.7%) presented with low, intermediate and high SS, respectively. Patients with higher SS were older, with more frequent peripheral artery disease, less current smoking, lower creatinine clearance, and higher use of catecholamine. A stepwise increase in the incidence of adverse events transitioning from low to intermediate and high SS was observed with the 30-day risk of death or renal replacement therapy as well as the 1-year risk of all-cause death (p for trend <0.001, for all). After multiple adjustment, intermediate and high SS remained strongly associated with 30-day risk of death and renal replacement therapy and 1-year risk of all-cause death (Figure). There was no significant interaction between SYNTAX score and the coronary revascularization strategy for all endpoints.

Conclusion

In patients presenting with acute MI, multivessel disease and CS, the SYNTAX score was strongly associated to 30-day and 1-year mortality</ss≤<ss≤32)>

Acknowledgement/Funding

The CULPRIT-SHOCK trial was Supported by a grant agreement (602202) from the European Union Seventh Framework Program and by the German Heart Research

Dysregulated autophagy in muscle precursor cells from humans with type 2 diabetes

Autophagy is active during cellular remodeling including muscle differentiation. Muscle differentiation is dysregulated in type 2 diabetes and we therefore hypothesize that muscle precursor cells from people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have a dysregulation of their autophagy leading to impaired myogenesis. Muscle precursor cells were isolated from people with T2DM or healthy controls and differentiated in vitro. Autophagy marker levels were assessed by immunoblotting. Differentially expressed autophagy-related genes between healthy and T2DM groups were identified based on a previously published RNA-sequencing data-set, which we verified by RT-qPCR. siRNA was used to assess the function of differentially expressed autophagy genes. Basal autophagy increases during human muscle differentiation, while T2DM muscle cells have reduced levels of autophagy marker ATG7 and show a blunted response to starvation. Moreover, we demonstrate that the 3 non-canonical autophagy genes DRAM1, VAMP8 and TP53INP1 as differentially expressed between healthy and T2DM groups during myoblast differentiation, and that T53INP1 knock-down alters expression of both pro-and anti-apoptotic genes. In vitro differentiated T2DM muscle cells show differential expression of autophagy-related genes. These genes do not regulate myogenic transcription factors but may rather be involved in p53-associated myoblast apoptosis during early myogenesis.

Synergism and antagonisms between nutrients induced by copper toxicity in grapevine rootstocks: Monocropping vs. intercropping

The long-term use of Cu-containing fungicides contaminates vineyards soils, which can induce Cu toxicity and nutrient imbalances in several plant species. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of Cu toxicity on two grapevine rootstocks, Fercal and 196.17, and to elucidate if intercropping with oat can alleviate grapevine Cu toxicity. Plants were hydroponically-cultivated and treated with different Cu concentrations. At harvest the biomass accumulation, the SPAD index and the symplastic and apoplastic root and leaves ionome were measured to evaluate possible synergistic and/or antagonistic effects on other micro- and macronutrients. The root exudation analysis was correlated with genes expression (VvPEZ-like), whereas PCA analysis performed on the grapevine and oat ionome revealed that both mono- and intercropped 196.17 rootstock display a positive effect on Zn and Mn in the root tissues at high Cu concentrations. An increase of Zn and Mn in roots was also reported for the intercropped Fercal rootstock at high Cu concentrations while an antagonistic relation was reported for root Zn concentration in the monocropped Fercal rootstock. Our results showed that grapevine and oat compete for nutrient uptake and that this phenomenon can possibly alleviate grapevine Cu toxicity. However, Fercal rootstock is able to take advantage from oat, while 196.17 is disadvantaged by the intercropping system. Even though intercropping system seems to be a valuable tool to counteract grapevine Cu toxicity, the application of this agricultural practice has shown to be species dependent and should be evaluated for each rootstock.

Serum and exhaled breath condensate leptin levels in asthmatic and obesity children: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have highlighted the possible involvement of leptin in inflammation. The leptin receptor is also expressed by alveolar macrophages, T lymphocytes and bronchial epitelial cells, suggesting a possible role in the cascade of airway inflammation.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of leptin in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) from asthmatic, normal- and overweight children, in relationship with airway inflammation.

METHODS

15 asthmatic non-obese children, 15 healthy non-asthmatic non-obese children, 11 obese children with asthma (OA) and 20 obese children without asthma (ONA) were enrolled. Body impedance of body weight, EBC collection, FeNO, spirometry and a blood sampling for serum leptin were assessed.

RESULTS

Leptin EBC levels were significantly higher (3.9 ng ml^-1 ± 1.3) in overweight children than those obese with asthma (3.6 ng ml^-1 ± 1.6; p = 0.97), non-owerweight asthmatics (2.2 ng ml^-1 ± 1.2; p < 0.0001) and in healthy children (0.9 ng ml^-1 ± 0.6; p < 0.001). Leptin EBC levels in asthmatic children were significantly higher than in healthy children (p = 0.05). Leptin serum levels were significantly higher in the overweight children compared with the asthmatics (12.7 ng ml^-1 ± 13.2; p < 0.001) and the healthy group (11.1 ng ml^-1 ± 11.2; p < 0.001). We observed a significant correlation between EBC-leptin levels and the serum-leptin levels (p = 0.001). No correlations were found between EBC-leptin levels, FeNO and lung function.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that leptin is measurable in EBC in children and that EBC-leptin levels are significantly higher in the obese subjects and in asthmatic ones compared with healthy subjects. Leptin may therefore represent a non-invasive marker of non-specific airway inflammation in children.