Mesenchymal stromal cells ameliorate diabetes-induced muscle atrophy through exosomes by enhancing AMPK/ULK1-mediated autophagy

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and obesity are associated with muscle atrophy that reduces life quality and lacks effective treatment. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy can ameliorate high fat-diet (HFD) and immobilization (IM)-induced muscle atrophy in mice. However, the effect of MSCs on muscle atrophy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the potential mechanism is unclear. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and explored molecular mechanisms of human umbilical cord MSCs (hucMSCs) and hucMSC-derived exosomes (MSC-EXO) on diabetes- and obesity-induced muscle atrophy.

METHODS

Diabetic db/db mice, mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD), mice with hindlimb immobilization (IM), and C2C12 myotubes were used to explore the effect of hucMSCs or MSC-EXO in alleviating muscle atrophy. Grip strength test and treadmill running were used to measure skeletal muscle strength and performance. Body composition, muscle weight, and muscle fibre cross-sectional area (CSA) was used to evaluate muscle mass. RNA-seq analysis of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle and Western blot analysis of muscle atrophy signalling, including MuRF1 and Atrogin 1, were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

hucMSCs increased grip strength (P = 0.0256 in db/db mice, P = 0.012 in HFD mice, P = 0.0097 in IM mice), running endurance (P = 0.0154 in HFD mice, P = 0.0006 in IM mice), and muscle mass (P = 0.0004 in db/db mice, P = 0.0076 in HFD mice, P = 0.0144 in IM mice) in all models tested, with elevated CSA of muscle fibres (P < 0.0001 in db/db mice and HFD mice, P = 0.0088 in IM mice) and reduced Atrogin1 (P = 0.0459 in db/db mice, P = 0.0088 in HFD mice, P = 0.0016 in IM mice) and MuRF1 expression (P = 0.0004 in db/db mice, P = 0.0077 in HFD mice, P = 0.0451 in IM mice). MSC-EXO replicated all these hucMSC-mediated changes (P = 0.0103 for grip strength, P = 0.013 for muscle mass, P < 0.0001 for CSA of muscle fibres, P = 0.0171 for Atrogin1 expression, and P = 0.006 for MuRF1 expression). RNA-seq revealed that hucMSCs activated the AMPK/ULK1 signalling and enhanced autophagy. Knockdown of AMPK or inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) diminished the beneficial anti-atrophy effects of hucMSCs or MSC-EXO.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells mitigate diabetes- and obesity-induced muscle atrophy via enhancing AMPK/ULK1-mediated autophagy through exosomes, with implications of applying hucMSCs or hucMSC-derived exosomes to treat muscle atrophy.

cGAS-STING mediates cytoplasmic mitochondrial-DNA-induced inflammatory signal transduction during accelerated senescence of pancreatic β-cells induced by metabolic stress

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an age-related disease characterized by impaired pancreatic β cell function and insulin resistance. Recent studies have shown that the accumulation of senescent β cells under metabolic stress conditions leads to the progression of T2DM, while senolysis can improve the prognosis. However, the specific mechanism of β cell senescence is still unclear. In this study, we found that the increased load of senescence pancreatic β cells in both older mice and obese mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD) (DIO mice) was accompanied by activation of the Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) - stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway and using cGAS or STING small interfering RNA or STING inhibitor C176 to downregulate this pathway reduced the senescence-associated secretion profile (SASP) and senescence of Min6 cells treated with palmitic acid or hydrogen peroxide. C176 intervention in DIO mice also significantly reduced the inflammation and senescence of the islets, thereby protecting the function of pancreatic β cell and glucose metabolism. Our study further revealed that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage under metabolic stress conditions was critical for the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, which can be reversed by the mtDNA depleting agent ethidium bromide. Consistently, mtDNA leakage was more severe in older mice and was accelerated by a chronic HFD. In conclusion, we demonstrate that cytoplasmic mtDNA activates the cGAS-STING pathway to mediate SASP during the accelerated senescence of pancreatic β-cells induced by metabolic stress, and this process can be downregulated by the STING inhibitor C176.

A Low Free T3 to Free T4 Ratio Is Associated with Sarcopenia in Euthyroid Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

This research evaluated the link between normal thyroid hormone levels and sarcopenia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled 312 euthyroid patients with T2DM from Qilu Hospital of the Shandong University, China. Body composition, grip strength, and physical performance were assessed as per the 2019 consensus guidelines of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the correlation between thyroid hormone levels and sarcopenia and its components.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 26.9%. Following adjustments for potential confounders, a high-normal serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) level (odds ratio (OR) = 0.522, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.304-0.895, P = 0.018), a low-normal serum free thyroxine (FT4) level (OR = 1.126, 95% CI: 1.009-1.258, P = 0.034), and a heightened FT3/FT4 ratio (OR = 0.923, 95% CI: 0.879-0.969, P = 0.001) were linked to a low prevalence of sarcopenia. Considering the components of sarcopenia, FT3 concentration was positively associated with muscle strength (OR = 0.525, 95% CI: 0.305-0.902, P = 0.020) and physical performance (OR = 0.443, 95% CI: 0.259-0.758, P = 0.003), while FT4 concentration was negatively linked to muscle mass (OR = 1.114, 95% CI: 1.009-1.232, P = 0.036). The FT3/FT4 ratio was positively linked to muscle mass (OR = 0.943, 95% CI: 0.905-0.981, P = 0.006), muscle strength (OR = 0.945, 95% CI: 0.901-0.992, P = 0.021), and physical performance (OR = 0.934, 95% CI: 0.894-0.975, P = 0.002). Nevertheless, thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration was not associated with sarcopenia.

CONCLUSION

A high FT3/FT4 ratio was significantly linked to a lowered risk of sarcopenia in euthyroid patients with T2DM.

Alterations of DNA methylation were associated with the rapid growth of cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenoma during pregnancy

Background

Cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenoma (CPA) during pregnancy rarely occurs in clinic. Growing evidence suggests that DNA methylation plays a key role in adrenocortical adenomas. The present study aims to examine the genome-wide DNA methylation profiles and identify the differences in DNA methylation signatures of non-pregnant and pregnant patients with CPA.

Results

Four pregnant and twelve non-pregnant patients with CPA were enrolled. The pregnant patients with CPA had higher serum cortisol, Estradiol, Progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin concentration, while having lower serum FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and luteinizing hormone concentrations (P < 0.01). Compared with the non-pregnant patients, the duration is shorter, and the growth rate of the tumor is faster in pregnant patients with CPA (P < 0.05). Morphology and cell proliferation assay showed that the percentage of Ki-67 positive cells in CPA were higher in pregnant group than non-pregnant group (8.0% vs 5.5%, P < 0.05). The DNA methylation analysis showed that Genome-wide DNA methylation signature difference between pregnant and non-pregnant with CPA, that the pregnant group had more hypermethylated DMPs (67.94% vs 22.16%) and less hypomethylated DMPs (32.93% vs 77.84%). The proportion of hypermethylated DMPs was relatively high on chromosomes 1 (9.68% vs 8.67%) and X (4.99% vs 3.35%) but lower on chromosome 2(7.98% vs 12.92%). In pregnant patients with CPA, 576 hypomethylated DMPs and 1109 hypermethylated DMPs were identified in the DNA promoter region. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway, Ras/MAPK Pathway and PI3K-AKT Pathway were associated with the development of CPA during pregnancy.

Conclusions

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of CPA in non-pregnant and pregnant patients was identified in the present study. Alterations of DNA methylation were associated with the pathogenesis and exacerbation of CPA during pregnancy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01205-3.

Mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium alleviates high fat-induced hyperglucagonemia via miR-181a-5p and its target PTEN/AKT signaling

BACKGROUND

α-cell dysregulation gives rise to fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). Administration of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or their conditioned medium can improve islet function and enhance insulin secretion. However, studies showing the direct effect of MSCs on islet α-cell dysfunction are limited.

METHODS

In this study, we used high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mice and α-cell line exposure to palmitate (PA) to determine the effects of bone marrow-derived MSC-conditioned medium (bmMSC-CM) on glucagon secretion. Plasma and supernatant glucagon were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). To investigate the potential signaling pathways, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), AKT and phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT) were assessed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

In vivo, bmMSC-CM infusion improved the glucose and insulin tolerance and protected against HFD-induced hyperglycemia and hyperglucagonemia. Meanwhile, bmMSC-CM infusion ameliorated HFD-induced islet hypertrophy and decreased α- and β-cell area. Consistently, in vitro, glucagon secretion from α-cells or primary islets was inhibited by bmMSC-CM, accompanied by reduction of intracellular PTEN expression and restoration of AKT signaling. Previous studies and the TargetScan database indicate that miR-181a and its target PTEN play vital roles in ameliorating α-cell dysfunction. We observed that miR-181a-5p was highly expressed in BM-MSCs but prominently lower in αTC1-6 cells. Overexpression or downregulation of miR-181a-5p respectively alleviated or aggravated glucagon secretion in αTC1-6 cells via the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations suggest that MSC-derived miR-181a-5p mitigates glucagon secretion of α-cells by regulating PTEN/AKT signaling, which provides novel evidence demonstrating the potential for MSCs in treating T2DM.

Relationship between childhood secondhand smoke exposure and the occurrence of hyperlipidaemia and coronary heart disease among Chinese non-smoking women: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure during childhood on type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and coronary heart disease among Chinese non-smoking women.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, the SHS exposure data in childhood were obtained using a questionnaire survey. Self-reported childhood SHS exposure was defined as the presence of at least one parent who smoked during childhood.

RESULTS

Of the 6522 eligible participants, 2120 Chinese women who had never smoked were assessed. The prevalence of SHS exposure in the entire population was 28.1% (596). SHS exposure during childhood was not significant for the standard risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (p=0.628) and hypertension (p=0.691). However, SHS was positively associated with hyperlipidaemia (p=0.037) after adjusting for age, obesity, education status, physical activity, alcohol consumption, current SHS exposure status, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. In addition, childhood SHS increased the occurrence of coronary heart disease (p=0.045) among non-smokers after further adjusting for hyperlipidaemia.

CONCLUSION

SHS exposure during childhood is associated with prevalent hyperlipidaemia and coronary heart disease in adulthood among non-smoking Chinese women.

Self-reported snoring is associated with chronic kidney disease in obese but not in normal-weight Chinese adults

Background

The relationship between sleeping disorders and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has already been reported. Snoring, a common clinical manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome, is of clinical value in assessing sleeping disorder severity. However, investigations of the connection between snoring and CKD are limited, especially in normal-weight populations. This study assessed the relationship between snoring frequency and CKD in obese and normal-weight people in China.

Methods

A community-based retrospective cross-sectional study of 3250 participants was performed. Study participants were divided into three groups – the regularly snoring group, occasionally snoring group, and never snoring group – based on their self-reported snoring frequency. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m². Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relevance between snoring frequency and CKD prevalence.

Results

The CKD prevalence in obese participants was higher than that in normal-weight participants. Frequent snorers had a higher prevalence of CKD than those who were not frequent snorers in the obese group. Snoring frequency was correlated with CKD prevalence in obese participants independent of age, sex, smoking and drinking status, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride level, high-density lipoprotein, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (odds ratio: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.36–5.19; p=.004), while the same relationships did not exist in normal-weight participants (odds ratio: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.32–1.98; p=.614).

Conclusions

Snoring appears to be independently associated with CKD in obese but not in normal-weight Chinese adults.

Clinical and Functional Characteristics of a Novel KLF11 Cys354Phe Variant Involved in Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young

BACKGROUND

Mutations in human KLF11 may lead to the development of maturity-onset diabetes of the young 7 (MODY7). This occurs due to impaired insulin synthesis in the pancreas. To date, the clinical and functional characteristics of the novel KLF11 mutation c.1061G > T have not yet been reported.

METHODS

Whole-exon sequencing was used to screen the proband and family members with clinical suspicion of the KLF11 variant. Luciferase reporter assays were used to investigate whether the KLF11 variant binds to the insulin promoter. Real-time PCR, western blotting, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) analysis were used to analyze the KLF11 variant that regulates insulin expression and insulin secretion activity in beta cell lines. The Freestyle Libre H (Abbott Diabetes Care Ltd) was used to dynamically monitor the proband daily blood glucose levels.

RESULTS

Mutation screening for the whole exon genes identified a heterozygous KLF11 (c.1061G > T) variant in the proband, her mother, and her maternal grandfather. Cell-based luciferase reporter assays using wild-type and mutant transgenes revealed that the KLF11 (c.1061G > T) variant had impaired insulin promoter regulation activity. Moreover, this variant was found to impair insulin expression and insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. The proband had better blood glucose control without staple food intake (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, for the first time, we report a novel KLF11 (c.1061G > T) monogenic mutation associated with MODY7. This variant has impaired insulin promoter regulation activity and impairs insulin expression and secretion in pancreatic beta cells. Therefore, administering oral antidiabetic drugs along with dietary intervention may benefit the proband.

Increased AHR Transcripts Correlate With Pro-inflammatory T-Helper Lymphocytes Polarization in Both Metabolically Healthy Obesity and Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor whose transcription activity is regulated by small compounds provided by diet, xenobiotics, and metabolism. It has been proven to be involved in energy homeostasis and inflammation in most recent years. Epidemiologically, exposure to xenobiotic AHR ligands contributes to obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). AHR is also the critical transcription factor determining the lineage commitment of pro-inflammatory Th17 and Th22 cells from naïve CD4+ T lymphocytes. It has been well-illustrated in animal models that IL-22, the major effector cytokine of Th17 and Th22 cells, played a major role in the interaction of metabolism and gut microbiota. But there were still missing links between gut microbiota, IL-22, and metabolism in humans. Our previous findings indicated that elevated circulating levels of IL-22 and frequencies of Th22 cells were associated with insulin resistance in both patients with obesity and T2D. Additionally, the hyperactive Th17 and Th22 cells phenotype also correlate with islets β-cell dysfunction in T2D. In this study, we made efforts to determine AHR expressions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with T2D and metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). Correlation analyses were conducted to assess the possible link between AHR and the metabolic and inflammatory context. We revealed that mRNA expression of AHR was up-regulated and correlated with the percentage of Th17, Th22 as well as Th1 cells. Elevated plasma levels of IL-22 and IL-17 also correlated with increased AHR transcripts in PBMCs from both MHO and T2D patients. The transcription factor AHR may thus have a plausible role in the interaction between metabolism and pro-inflammatory status of patients in the development of obesity and T2D.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes exert ameliorative effects in type 2 diabetes by improving hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism via enhancing autophagy

Background

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy is currently considered to be an effective treatment strategy for diabetes and hepatic disorders, such as liver cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Exosomes are important mediators of cellular connections, and increasing evidence has suggested that exosomes derived from MSCs may be used as direct therapeutic agents; their mechanisms of action, however, remain largely unclear. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of human umbilical cord MSC-derived exosomes (HucMDEs) on hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

HucMDEs were used to treat T2DM rats, as well as palmitic acid (PA)-treated L-O2 cells, in order to determine the effects of HucMDEs on hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. To evaluate the changes in autophagy and potential signaling pathways, autophagy-related proteins (BECN1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta [MAP 1LC3B]), autophagy-related genes (ATGs, ATG5, and ATG7), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) were assessed by Western blotting.

Results

HucMDEs promoted hepatic glycolysis, glycogen storage, and lipolysis, and reduced gluconeogenesis. Additionally, autophagy potentially contributed to the effects of HucMDE treatment. Transmission electron microscopy revealed an increased formation of autophagosomes in HucMDE-treated groups, and the autophagy marker proteins, BECN1 and MAP 1LC3B, were also increased. Moreover, autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine significantly reduced the effects of HucMDEs on glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM rats. Based on its phosphorylation status, we found that the AMPK signaling pathway was activated and induced autophagy in T2DM rats and PA-treated L-O2 cells. Meanwhile, the transfection of AMPK siRNA or application of the AMPK inhibitor, Comp C, weakened the therapeutic effects of HucMDEs on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that HucMDEs improved hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM rats by activating autophagy via the AMPK pathway, which provides novel evidence suggesting the potential for HucMDEs in clinically treating T2DM patients.

[Changes and clinical significance of peripheral blood CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells in rheumatoid arthritis patients]

Objective: To investigate the expression of CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its correlation with clinical indicators of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from 38 patients with RA, and 20 healthy control subjects, RA patients admitted to Peking University people's hospital from May to October 2018, and record the RA patients with the clinical manifestations and laboratory indexes, extraction in the peripheral blood lymphocytes, using flow cytometry to analyse the percentage of CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells in peripheral blood, by using the software SPASS20 and Prism6 to analyze its correlation with clinical and laboratory indices. Results: The expression of CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells in peripheral blood of RA patients was significantly increased, which was statistically different from that of healthy patients (P<0.05). CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells in peripheral blood of RA patients showed significant positive correlation with ESR(r=0.352,P=0.030), CCP(r=0.312,P=0.047) and DAS28(r=0.330,P=0.043), and negatively correlated with C3 (r=-0.354,P=0.046) and C4(r=-0.440,P=0.010).No significant correlation was found in other indicators. In RA patients, there were statistically significant differences in CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells between the low-disease active group and the high-disease active group(P<0.05), but CD8(+)CD25(+)T cells between the low-disease active group and the moderate-disease active group, or between the moderate-disease active group and the high-disease active group had no significant statistical difference. Conclusion: CD8(+)CD25(+)Tcells in peripheral blood of patients with RA are significantlyincreased, and aresignificantly correlated with laboratory and clinical indicators, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Differences in the Clinical and Hematological Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether comorbidity with type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects the clinical and hematological parameters of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated the clinical, imaging, and laboratory characteristics of patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were hospitalized from January 30, 2020 to March 17, 2020, at the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. A detailed clinical record was kept for each subject, including the medical history of COVID-19 and physical and laboratory examinations. A total of 164 subjects were eligible for the study, among which 40 patients were comorbid with T2D. Further analysis was conducted in two subcohorts of sex- and age-matched patients with and without T2D to identify hematological and biochemical differences. The laboratory tests, including routine blood tests, serum biochemistry, and coagulation function, were performed upon admission.

RESULTS

The two groups showed no significant differences in baseline parameters, including age, sex, chest X-ray, or computed tomography (CT) findings, upon admission. However, patients with T2D showed an increased incidence of diarrhea. T2D patients required more recovery time from pneumonia, as shown by follow-up CT findings, which might contribute to the prolonged hospitalization. Comorbidity with T2D also increased risk of secondary bacterial infection during COVID-19. The T2D group had significantly higher white blood cell and neutrophil counts compared with the nondiabetic group, but T2D patients suffered from more severe lymphocytopenia and inflammation (P < 0.05). Most biochemical parameters showed no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, patients with T2D seemed to have a significantly higher risk of developing hyperlactatemia, hyponatremia, and hypocalcemia.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 patients comorbid with T2D demonstrated distinguishing clinical features and hematological parameters during the infection. It is necessary to develop a different clinical severity scoring system for COVID-19 patients with T2D. This study may provide helpful clues for the assessment and management of COVID-19 in T2D patients.

Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 analog liraglutide on the systemic inflammation in high-fat-diet-induced mice

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic syndrome is a chronic-metabolic disease caused by a variety of factors, including high peripheral blood insulin levels and insulin resistance. It has been reported that GLP-1 could regulate insulin resistance. It is not known whether and how GLP-1 protects from fat-induced inflammation and immune changes. We investigated if GLP-1 alters the populations of fat-induced inflammation and immune cells and the related mechanism.

METHODS

We obtained obese C57BL/6J mice by feeding them high-fat food, then treated the obese mice with GLP-1+ high-fat diet (G + Hi), normal chow diet (Nor), or high-fat diet (Hi) (n = 20 for each group) for 8 weeks. The GLP-1 receptor-/- B6 group were fed with HFD for 8 weeks (GLP-1R KO + Hi). In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted on mice immune cells to investigate the effects of GLP-1 on the changes of the immune components and functions in obesity.

RESULTS

We found that GLP-1 could efficiently change the CD4+ T subsets and level of cytokines in high-fat-induced mice by GLP-1 receptor. Further, these changes were correlated with a reduction in fat content and serum lipid level. Interestingly, GLP-1 could enhance the function of Tregs in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that GLP-1 has an important role in shaping the CD4+ T population in high-fat-diet-induced mice by GLP-1 receptor, possibly providing a new target for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Resveratrol reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species levels by inducing autophagy through the AMPK-mTOR pathway

Oxidative stress induced by free fatty acid aggravates endothelial injury, which leads to diabetic cardiovascular complications. Reduction of intracellular oxidative stress may attenuate these pathogenic processes. The dietary polyphenol resveratrol reportedly exerts potential protective effects against endothelial injury. This study determined whether resveratrol can reduce the palmitic acid (PA)-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and further explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that resveratrol significantly reduced the PA-induced endothelial ROS levels in human aortic endothelial cells. Resveratrol also induced endothelial cell autophagy, which mediated the effect of resveratrol on ROS reduction. Resveratrol stimulated autophagy via the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mTOR pathway. Taken together, these data suggest that resveratrol prevents PA-induced intracellular ROS by autophagy regulation via the AMPK-mTOR pathway. Thus, the induction of autophagy by resveratrol may provide a novel therapeutic candidate for cardioprotection in metabolic syndrome.

Effect of night light regimen on growth performance, antioxidant status and health of broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age

Objective

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of night light regimen on growth performance, antioxidant status and health of Lingnan Yellow broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age.

Methods

A completely randomized factorial design involved 2 photoperiods (constant lighting [CL], 24 L:0 D and intermittent lighting [INL], 17 L:3 D:1 L:3 D)×2 light intensities (10 lx and 30 lx). A total of one thousand six hundred and eighty 1-d-old Lingnan Yellow broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 6 replicates (70 birds per replicate). The experiment lasted for 21 d.

Results

Photoperiods and light intensities had no effect on average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and mortality of the broiler chickens (p>0.05). The INL had a significant effect on average daily feed intake (p<0.05) of broiler chickens compared with CL. Photoperiod and light intensity had an interactive effect on melatonin (MT) concentration (p<0.05). At CL, reducing light intensity increased MT concentration; INL birds had higher MT but MT concentration was not affected by light intensity. There was an interactive effect on glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) in serum and total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) in liver between photoperiod and light intensity. With the decrease of light intensity, the activities of GPx and CAT in serum and T-AOC in liver increased in CL group (p<0.05). Broiler chickens reared under INL had better antioxidant status and 10 lx treatments had higher activities of CAT in serum than 30 lx (p<0.05). Different photoperiods and light intensities had no effect on malondialdehyde. There was an interaction between photoperiod and light intensity on serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration (p<0.05). At CL, the elevated light intensity resulted in an increase in CK content; INL birds had lower CK concentration especially in low light intensity group. Besides, INL and low light intensity significantly reduced the concentration of serum corticosterone and heat shock protein 70 (p<0.05). Serum immunoglobulin M contents were increased in broiler chickens reared under the INL compared with CL group (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Results above suggest that the night light regimen of INL and 10 lx could be beneficial to the broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age due to the better health status and electricity savings.

Effects of different selenium sources and levels on antioxidant status in broiler breeders

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted with the objectives to examine the impacts of inorganic selenium (Se) and different types and levels of organic selenium on the serum and tissues Se status and antioxidant capacity in broiler breeders.

METHODS

Five hundred and forty 48-wk-old Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments, provided same basal diet (0.04 mg/kg of Se) with 0.15 mg/kg, or 0.30 mg/kg of Se from sodium selenite (SS) or from selenium-enriched yeast (SY) or from selenomethionine (SM). The broiler breeders were slaughtered after an 8-wk experiment.

RESULTS

The results showed that SM was better than SY and SS, 0.30 mg/kg level was better than 0.15 mg/kg level in Se deposition (p<0.05) in serum, liver, kidney, pancreas and muscle; in antioxidant status, organic selenium had better effects than SS in broiler breeders (p<0.05), but SM and SY had a similar result, and 0.15 mg/kg level was better than 0.30 mg/kg (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated the evident advantage of supplementation of broiler breeders with 0.15 mg/kg SM, which improved tissue Se concentrations and antioxidant status, and can be considered as the best selenium source.

Mesenchymal stromal cells ameliorate oxidative stress-induced islet endothelium apoptosis and functional impairment via Wnt4-β-catenin signaling

Background

Islet dysfunction and destruction are the common cause for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The islets of Langerhans are highly vascularized miniorgans, and preserving the structural integrity and full function of the microvascular endothelium is vital for protecting the islets from the infiltration of immune cells and secondary inflammatory attack. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapies have been proven to promote angiogenesis of the islets; however, the underlying mechanism for the protective role of MSCs in the islet endothelium is still vague.

Methods

In this study, we used MS-1, a murine islet microvascular endothelium cell line, and an MSC-MS1 transwell culturing system to investigate the protective mechanism of rat bone marrow-derived MSCs under oxidative stress in vitro. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining, annexin V/PI flow cytometry analysis, and cleaved caspase 3 western blotting analysis. Endothelial cell activation was determined by expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), as well as eNOS phosphorylation/activation. The changes of VCAM-1, eNOS, and the β-catenin expression were also tested in the isolated islets of T2DM rats infused with MSCs.

Results

We observed that treating MS-1 cells with H₂O₂ triggered significant apoptosis, induction of VCAM expression, and reduction of eNOS phosphorylation. Importantly, coculturing MS-1 cells with MSCs prevented oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, eNOS inhibition, and VCAM elevation in MS-1 cells. Similar changes in VCAM-1 and eNOS phosphorylation could also be observed in the islets isolated from T2DM rats infused with MSCs. Moreover, MSCs cocultured with MS-1 in vitro or their administration in vivo could both result in an increase of β-catenin, which suggested activation of the β-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling pathway. In MS-1 cells, activation of the β-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling pathway partially mediated the protective effects of MSCs against H₂O₂-induced apoptosis and eNOS inhibition. Furthermore, MSCs produced a significant amount of Wnt4 and Wnt5a. Although both Wnt4 and Wnt5a participated in the interaction between MSCs and MS-1 cells, Wnt4 exhibited a protective role while Wnt5a seemed to show a destructive role in MS-1 cells.

Conclusions

Our observations provide evidence that the orchestration of the MSC-secreted Wnts could promote the survival and improve the endothelial function of the injured islet endothelium via activating the β-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling in target endothelial cells. This finding might inspire further in-vivo studies.

[A review of progress in research of effect of air pollutants on fetal growth]

Slow fetal growth is a global public health concern because it might be associated with many diseases later in life. With the progress of technology to measure long-term air pollution exposure. Many epidemiological studies have evaluated the effects of maternal air pollutant exposure on fetal growth. In this paper, we summarize the research progress in this field after the analysis on the related literatures retrieved from the databases of Medline and Web of Science.

Electrochemical Skin Conductance May Be Used to Screen for Diabetic Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in a Chinese Population with Diabetes

Aims. This study aimed to assess whether the electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) could be used to screen for diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy (DCAN) in a Chinese population with diabetes. Methods. We recruited 75 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 45 controls without diabetes. DCAN was diagnosed by the cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs) as gold standard. In all subjects ESCs of hands and feet were also detected by SUDOSCAN™ as a new screening method. The efficacy was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results. The ESCs of both hands and feet were significantly lower in T2DM patients with DCAN than those without DCAN (67.33 ± 15.37 versus 78.03 ± 13.73, P = 0.002, and 57.77 ± 20.99 versus 75.03 ± 11.41, P < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis showed the areas under the ROC curve were both 0.75 for ESCs of hands and feet in screening DCAN. And the optimal cut-off values of ESCs, sensitivities, and specificities were 76 μS, 76.7%, and 75.6% for hands and 75 μS, 80.0%, and 60.0% for feet, respectively. Conclusions. ESC measurement is a reliable and feasible method to screen DCAN in the Chinese population with diabetes before further diagnosis with CARTs.

Relationship of Hemoglobin A1c with β Cell Function and Insulin Resistance in Newly Diagnosed and Drug Naive Type 2 Diabetes Patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate changes in the glycated hemoglobin A1c (A1c) level and those in β cell function and insulin resistance in newly diagnosed and drug naive type 2 diabetes patients and to evaluate the relationship between them.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 818 newly diagnosed diabetic individuals who were ≥ 40 years of age were recruited. The subjects were grouped by A1c values (<6.5%, 6.5-7%, 7-8%, 8-9%, and ≥ 9%). The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to evaluate pancreatic β cell function (HOMA-β) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). ANOVA, t-tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with subjects with A1c values <6.5%, individuals with an A1c of 6.5-7% exhibited an increased HOMA-β index. However, the HOMA-β index was significantly decreased at A1c values ≥ 7% and further decreased by 9.3% and by 23.7%, respectively, at A1c values of 7-8% and 8-9%. As A1c increased to ≥ 9%, a 62% reduction in β cell function was observed, independently of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), blood lipids, and hepatic enzyme levels. Meanwhile, insulin resistance was significantly increased with an increase in A1c values.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated A1c values (≥ 7%) were associated with substantial reductions in β cell function.

Circulating Levels of Betatrophin and Irisin Are Not Associated with Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Previously Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Betatrophin and irisin are two recently identified hormones which may participate in regulating pancreatic β-cell function. However, the associations of these two hormones with β-cell function remain unclear. The present study aims to demonstrate the associations of circulating betatrophin and irisin levels with β-cell function, assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of C-peptide, and the possible correlation between these two hormones in previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. In total, 20 age-, sex-, and body mass index- (BMI-) matched normal glucose tolerance (NGT) subjects and 120 previously diagnosed T2DM patients were included in this study. Partial correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between these two hormones and indexes of β-cell function and insulin resistance. Our results showed that betatrophin levels were significantly elevated, while irisin levels were significantly decreased, in patients with T2DM compared with NGT subjects. However, partial correlation analysis showed that betatrophin levels did not correlate with β-cell function-related variables or insulin resistance-related variables before or after controlling multiple covariates, while irisin correlated positively with insulin sensitivity but is not associated with β-cell function-related variables. Besides, no correlation was observed between betatrophin and irisin levels. Hence we concluded that betatrophin and irisin were not associated with β-cell function in previously diagnosed T2DM patients.

Triglyceride levels are closely associated with mild declines in estimated glomerular filtration rates in middle-aged and elderly Chinese with normal serum lipid levels

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between lipid profiles [including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and a mild decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in subjects with normal serum lipid levels.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, we included 2647 participants who were ≥ 40 years old and had normal serum lipid levels. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation was used to estimate the GFR. A mildly reduced eGFR was defined as 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m(2). First, multiple linear regression analysis was used to estimate the association of lipid profiles with the eGFR. Then, the levels of each lipid component were divided into four groups, using the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles as cut-off points. Finally, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of different lipid components with the risk of mildly reduced eGFR.

RESULTS

In the group with a mildly reduced eGFR, TG and LDL-C levels were significantly increased, but HDL-C levels were significantly decreased. After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), smoking and drinking, only TC and TG were independently related to the eGFR. Additionally, only TG showed a linear relationship with an increased risk of a mildly reduced eGFR, with the highest quartile group (TG: 108-150 mg/dl [1.22-1.70 mmol/L]) having a significantly increased risk after adjusting for the above factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Triglyceride levels are closely associated with a mildly reduced eGFR in subjects with normal serum lipid levels. Dyslipidemia with lower TG levels could be used as new diagnostic criteria for subjects with mildly reduced renal function.

Twist 1 regulates the expression of PPARγ during hormone-induced 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation: a possible role in obesity and associated diseases

BACKGROUND

Twist 1 is highly expressed in adipose tissue and has been associated with obesity and related disorders. However, the molecular function of Twist 1 in adipose tissue is unclear. Twist 1 has been implicated in cell lineage determination and differentiation. Therefore, we investigated both the role of Twist 1 in adipocyte precursor mobilization and the relationship of Twist 1 with other molecular determinants of adipocyte differentiation.

METHODS

We examined Twist 1 mRNA and protein expression in subcutaneous adipose tissues from diet-induced obese C57/BL6 mice and Wistar rats and in obese patients undergoing liposuction or adipose transplant surgeries. Twist 1 expression was measured on days 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 of 3T3-L1 differentiation in vitro. The role of Twist 1 in adipogenesis was explored using retroviral interference of Twist 1 expression. Adipokine secretion was evaluated using a RayBio® Biotin Label-based Adipokine Array.

RESULTS

Twist 1 mRNA and protein levels were reduced in diet-induced obese mice and rats and in obese humans. Twist 1 was upregulated during 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation in vitro, beginning from the fourth day of differentiation induction. Retroviral interference of Twist 1 expression did not significantly impair lipid formation; however, retroviral interference induced PPARγ mRNA and protein expression on day 4 of differentiation induction. Adipokine array analyses revealed increased secretion of CXCR4 (19.55-fold), VEGFR1 (92.13-fold), L-21 R (63.55-fold), and IL-12 R beta 1 (59.66-fold) and decreased secretion of VEGFR3 (0.01-fold), TSLP R (0.071-fold), MIP-1 gamma (0.069-fold), TNF RI/TNFRSF1A (0.09-fold), and MFG-E8 (0.06-fold).

CONCLUSIONS

Twist 1 is a regulator of adipocyte gene expression although it is not likely to regulate differentiation. We identified PPARγ as a potential target of Twist 1 and found variation in the secretion of multiple adipokines, which might indicate a prospective mechanism linking Twist 1 expression with obesity or associated diseases.

Metabolic abnormalities, but not obesity, contribute to the mildly reduced eGFR in middle-aged and elderly Chinese

BACKGROUND

The role of obesity as a determinant of kidney dysfunction has not reached an agreement and the underlying reason may be due to the heterogeneity of obese phenotypes. The aim of the study was to explore the associations of different obese phenotypes with the change of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the roles of obesity and metabolic abnormalities in this association.

METHODS

eGFR was calculated in 8,586 participants (≥ 40 years old). eGFR 60-90 mL/min/1.73 m(2) was defined as the mildly reduced eGFR. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine odds ratios (ORs) for mildly reduced eGFR in the metabolically healthy obese (MHO), metabolically abnormal non-obese (MANO) and metabolically abnormal obese (MAO) groups, using the metabolically healthy non-obese (MHNO) subjects as the reference group. Meanwhile, the associations of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and metabolic abnormalities (including hypertension, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia) with the risk of mildly reduced eGFR were also investigated.

RESULTS

The proportion of MHNO, MHO, MANO and MAO subjects was 8.3, 17.1, 10.1 and 64.5 %, respectively. Increased ORs were observed in MANO (OR 1.51, P = 0.014) and MAO (OR 1.47, P = 0.015) groups, after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, drinking, BMI and WC. When further adjusting for metabolic abnormalities, MANO (OR 1.24, P = 0.247) and MAO (OR 1.17, P = 0.366) subjects would not present increased risk of mildly reduced eGFR any more. Oppositely, fasting insulin (OR 1.03, P < 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR 1.25, P = 0.002) and dyslipidemia (OR 1.25, P = 0.002), but not hypertension, BMI and WC, significantly increased the risk of mildly reduced eGFR.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic abnormalities, but not simple obesity, may contribute to the mildly reduced eGFR in middle-aged and elderly Chinese.

Fluctuation between fasting and 2-H postload glucose state is associated with chronic kidney disease in previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients with HbA1c ≥ 7%

Objective

To investigate how the glucose variability between fasting and a 2-h postload glucose state (2-h postload plasma glucose [2hPG]-fasting plasma glucose [FPG]) is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese patients previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Design and Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1054 previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients who were 40 years of age and older. First, the subjects were divided into two groups based on a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value of 7%. Each group was divided into two subgroups, with or without CKD. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation was used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). CKD was defined as eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m². Multiple linear regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the 2hPG-FPG and eGFR. The 2hPG-FPG value was divided into four groups increasing in increments of 36 mg/dl (2.0 mmol/L): 0–72, 72–108, 108–144 and ≥144 mg/dl, based on the quartiles of patients with HbA1c levels ≥7%; then, binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between 2hPG-FPG and the risk of CKD.

Results

In the patients with HbA1c levels ≥7%, the 2hPG-FPG was significantly associated with decreased eGFR and an increased risk of CKD independent of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, smoking, and drinking, as well as fasting insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, and HbA1c levels. The patients with 2hPG-FPG values ≥144 mg/dl showed an increased odds ratio (OR) of 2.640 (P = 0.033). Additionally, HbA1c was associated with an increased risk of CKD in patients with HbA1c values ≥7%.

Conclusions

The short-term glucose variability expressed by 2hPG-FPG is closely associated with decreased eGFR and an increased risk of CKD in patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c≥7%).

Elevated peripheral frequencies of Th22 cells: a novel potent participant in obesity and type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Chronic low-grade inflammation has long been recognized as the central link between obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The novel subset of T helper (Th) cells, Th22, plays an emerging role in chronic inflammation. We investigated the potential association between Th22 and the pathogenesis of obesity and T2D.

METHODS

Ninety T2D inpatients (T2D group), 30 healthy participants with BMI ranged from 19 to 23.9 kg/m2 (CTL group) and 30 metabolically healthy obese controls with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (MHO group) were employed in our study. Peripheral frequencies of Th22 and Th1 and Th17 cells were determined by flow cytometry based on their specific cytokine patterns. Cytokine levels in fresh plasma were quantified by ELISA.

RESULTS

Compared to that in CTL group (1.18±0.06%, n = 28), peripheral frequency of Th22 cells was significantly increased in MHO group (1.88±0.10%, n = 30) and in T2D group (2.247±0.10%, n = 89). There was a consistent notable increase in plasma interleukin (IL)-22 of T2D patients [47.56 (30.55-76.89) pg/mL] as compared with that of MHO group [36.65 (29.52-55.70) pg/ml; *P<0.0001] and CTLs [36.33 (31.93-40.62) pg/mL; *P<0.0001]. Furthermore, other than Th1/Th17, previously frequently described participants in obesity and T2D, there was a strong correlation between Th22 frequency and the homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance index (r = 0.6771, *P<0.0001) and HOMA for β-cell function (r = -0.7264, *P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

There were increased Th22 frequencies and IL-22 levels in obesity and T2D. Elevated Th22 and IL-22 also aided in the differentiation of MHO from T2D patients. The notable correlation implied that Th22 might play a more determinant role in both insulin resistance and β-cell impairment.

Small islets transplantation superiority to large ones: implications from islet microcirculation and revascularization

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising therapy to regain glycemic control in diabetic patients. The selection of ideal grafts is the basis to guarantee short-term effectivity and longevity of the transplanted islets. Contradictory to the traditional notion, recent findings implied the superiority of small islets for better transplantation outcomes rather than the large and intact ones. However, the mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Recent evidences emphasized the major impact of microcirculation on islet β -cell mass and function. And potentials in islet graft revascularization are crucial for their survival and preserved function in the recipient. In this study, we verified the distinct histological phenotype and functionality of small islets versus large ones both in vitro and in vivo. With efforts to exploring the differences in microcirculation and revascularization of islet grafts, we further evaluated local expressions of angiotensin and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) at different levels. Our findings reveal that, apart from the higher density of insulin-producing β -cells, small islets express less angiotensin and more angiotrophic VEGF-A. We therefore hypothesized a logical explanation of the small islet superiority for transplantation outcome from the aspects of facilitated microcirculation and revascularization intrinsically in small islets.

Triglycerides and ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are better than liver enzymes to identify insulin resistance in urban middle-aged and older non-obese Chinese without diabetes

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) plays an important pathophysiological role in the development of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, IR can occur even in non-obese people without diabetes. However, direct detection of IR is complicated. In order to find a simple surrogate marker of IR early in non-obese people, we investigate the association of commonly-used biochemical markers (liver enzymes and lipid profiles) with IR in urban middle-aged and older non-obese Chinese without diabetes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 1 987 subjects (1 473 women). Fasting blood samples were collected for measurement of glucose, insulin, liver enzymes, lipid profiles and creatinine. Subjects whose homeostasis model of assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) index values exceeded the 75th percentile (2.67 for women and 2.48 for men) of the population were considered to have IR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to compare the power of potential markers in identifying IR.

RESULTS

Triglycerides (TG) and ratio of TG to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) discriminated IR better than other indexes for both sexes; areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) values were 0.770 (95% confidence interval 0.733-0.807) and 0.772 (0.736-0.809), respectively, for women and 0.754 (0.664-0.844) and 0.756 (0.672-0.840), respectively, for men. To identify IR, the optimal cut-offs for TG and TG/HDL-C ratio were 1.315 mmol/L (sensitivity 74.3%, specificity 71.0%) and 0.873 (sensitivity 70.1%, specificity 73.4%), respectively, for women, and 1.275 mmol/L (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 74.4%) and 0.812 (sensitivity 75.8%, specificity 69.2%), respectively, for men.

CONCLUSION

TG and TG/HDL-C ratio could be used to identify IR in urban middle-aged and older non-obese Chinese without diabetes.

Sex ratio bias in early-dead embryos of chickens collected during the first week of incubation

According to Mendelian heredity laws, the sex ratio of a given chicken population during hatching is expected to be 1:1. In this study, we collected 432 chicken embryos that died during the first week of incubation from 5 different breeds. The sexes of the early-dead embryos were determined by using the previously described molecular sexing technique of double PCR. The female-to-male sex ratio was analyzed for departure from the expected 1:1 sex ratio by chi(2) testing. These results showed that the number of female dead embryos was significantly greater than that of males in the Hubei local breeding stock, Zhusi, and Hy-line Variety Brown (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.01 respectively), with observed female-to-male sex ratios of 1.40:1, 2.03:1, and 2.22:1, respectively. Two other Chinese local breeds (the Yellow chicken and the Aijiaohuang chicken) also showed altered sex ratios, although the differences were not significant. Altogether, these results indicated that female chickens were more likely than male chickens to die at the early stages of incubation.

Vocal fold epithelial hyperplasia. Vibratory behavior vs extent of lesion

The vibratory behavior of 72 vocal folds with epithelial hyperplasia or dysplasia was investigated by means of videostroboscopy. The amplitude of vibration (AMP) and mucosal wave (WAV) were related to the relative area, depth, and relative volume of the lesion. The AMP and WAV were evaluated for the entire vocal fold (AMPE, WAVE) and for the affected portion or the lesion (AMPL, WAVL). The AMPE, AMPL, WAVE, and WAVL were negatively related to the relative area, depth, and relative volume. The relationship between the limited vibratory movement and the extent of the lesion was most significantly manifested in WAVL. A complete absence of any vibratory movement of the vocal fold took place only for large lesions occupying three fourths or more of the membranous vocal fold.

[Correlation of clinical findings and histologic types in epithelial hyperplasia of the vocal fold]

A series of 60 cases (85 vocal folds) with epithelial hyperplasia of the vocal fold were statistically analysed between the clinical findings and histologic types to identify the significant factors predicting the presence or absence of atypia in the lesion. The factors of age, sex, appearance of the lesion, extent of the lesion and degree of limitation of vocal fold vibration showed significance and therefore were scored respectively for further analysis from -1 to +1 according to the possibility of atypia from low to high. More than half of the group without atypia had total score of 0 or less, while more than half of the group with atypia had total score of +4 or more. The difference between two groups was significantly high (p less than 0.01). This results showed that if total score was 0 or less the possibility of atypia was very low and conservative treatment including discontinuation of smoking and follow-up can be conducted, whereas if total score was +4 or more the possibility of atypia was very high and a proper biopsy followed by laser surgery is indicated.