Downregulation of TAZ elicits a mitochondrial redox imbalance and ferroptosis in lung epithelial cells exposed to diesel exhaust particles

Mitochondrial dysfunction was reported to be involved in the development of lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, molecular regulation underlying metabolic disorders in the airway epithelia exposed to air pollution remains unclear. In the present study, lung bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B and alveolar epithelial A549 cells were treated with diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), the primary representative of ambient particle matter. This treatment elicited cell death accompanied by induction of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ferroptosis. Lipidomics analyses revealed that DEPs increased glycerophospholipid contents. Accordingly, DEPs upregulated expression of the electron transport chain (ETC) complex and induced mitochondrial ROS production. Mechanistically, DEP exposure downregulated the Hippo transducer transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), which was further identified to be crucial for the ferroptosis-associated antioxidant system, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), and glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR). Moreover, immunohistochemistry confirmed downregulation of GPX4 and upregulation of lipid peroxidation in the bronchial epithelium of COPD patients and Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to air pollution. Finally, proteomics analyses confirmed alterations of ETC-related proteins in bronchoalveolar lavage from COPD patients compared to healthy subjects. Together, our study discovered that involvement of mitochondrial redox dysregulation plays a vital role in pulmonary epithelial cell destruction after exposure to air pollution.

Modulation of narrow-field amacrine cells on light-evoked spike responses and receptive fields of retinal ganglion cells

By using multi-electrode array (MEA) recording technique in conjunction with white-noise checkerboard stimuli and reverse correlation methods, we studied modulatory actions of glycinergic narrow-field amacrine cells (NFACs) on spatiotemporal profiles of five functional groups of ganglion cells (GCs) in dark-adapted mouse retinas. We found that application of 2 µM strychnine significantly altered light-evoked spike rates of three groups of GCs. It also decreased receptive field center radii of all five groups of GC by a mean value of 11%, and shifted the GC receptive field (RF) centers of all GCs and the mean shift distances for the sustained GCs are significantly longer than the transient GCs. On the other hand, strychnine did not affect temporal profiles of the GC center responses, as it did not alter the time-to-peak or the biphasic index of the spike triggered average (STA) functions of GC RF centers. Strychnine also exerts limited actions on RF surrounds of most GCs, except that it moderately weakens the antagonistic surround of sustained OFF GCs and strengthens the antagonistic surround of the ON/OFF GCs, possibly through serial connections between NFACs and GABAergic wide-field amacrine cells (WFACs). Using the Sum of Separable Subfilter (SoSS) model and singular value decomposition method, we decomposed GCs' STAs into five space-time separable subfilters, studied the observation rates of each subfilter in the five functional groups of GCs and determined NFAC-dependent and -independent synaptic circuitries that mediate center and surround responses of various groups of mouse retina retinal ganglion cells.

[Research progress on the role of adipose-derived stem cell exosomes in skin scar formation]

The adipose-derived stem cell exosomes are subcellular structures of adipose stem cells. They are nano-sized membrane vesicles that can transport various cell components and act on target cells by paracrine, and they play an important role in the exchanges of substance and information between cells. Scar healing is the commonest way of healing after skin tissue injury. Pathological scar can not only cause movement dysfunction, but also lead to deformity, which affects the appearance of patients and brings life and mental pressure to the patients. In recent years, many researches have shown that the adipose-derived stem cell exosomes contain a variety of bioactive molecules, which play an important role in reducing scar formation and scar-free wound healing, by affecting the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and the composition of extracellular matrix. This article reviewed the recent literature on the roles and mechanisms of adipose-derived stem cell exosomes in scar formation, and prospected the future application and development of adipose-derived stem cell exosomes in scar treatment.

[Effects of comprehensive treatment of infected wounds in patients with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics and comprehensive treatment of infected wounds in patients with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From May 2012 to December 2021, the data of 19 patients with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome discharged from the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University were collected, including 8 males and 11 females, aged 28-71 (56±11) years, with 12 cases of infected acute wounds and 7 cases of infected chronic wounds. The lesions were located in the limbs, perianal, and sacrococcygeal regions, with original infection ranging from 9 cm×5 cm to 85 cm×45 cm. After admission, the patients were performed with multidisciplinary assisted diagnosis and treatment, and the wounds were treated with debridement and vacuum sealing drainage, according to the size, severity of infection, suture tension, and bone and tendon tissue exposure of wounds, direct suture or autologous skin and/or artificial dermis and/or autologous tissue flap transplantation was selected for wound repair. The levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) of patients at 8:00, 16:00, and 24:00 within 24 h after admission were counted. After admission, the number of operations, wound repair methods, and wound and skin/flap donor site healing of patients were recorded. During follow-up, the wounds were observed for recurrent infection. Results: The cortisol levels of 16 patients at 8:00, 16:00, and 24:00 within 24 h after admission were (130±54), (80±16), and (109±39) nmol/L, respectively, and ACTH levels were (7.2±2.8), (4.1±1.8), and (6.0±3.0) pg/mL, respectively; and the other 3 patients had no such statistical results. After admission, the number of surgical operation for patients was 3.4±0.9. The following methods were used for wound repair, including direct suturing in 4 cases and autologous skin and/or artificial dermis grafting in 9 cases, of which 2 cases underwent stage Ⅱ autologous skin grafting after artificial dermis grafting in stage Ⅰ, and 6 cases had pedicled retrograde island flap+autologous skin grafting. The wound healing was observed, showing that all directly sutured wounds healed well; the wounds in 6 cases of autologous skin and/or artificial dermis grafting healed well, and the wounds in 3 cases also healed well after the secondary skin grafting; the flaps in 4 cases survived well with the wounds in 2 cases with distal perforators flap arteries circumfluence obstacle of posterior leg healed after stage Ⅱ debridement and autologous skin grafting. The healing status of skin/flap donor sites was followed showing that the donor sites of medium-thickness skin grafts in the thigh of 4 cases were well healed after transplanted with autologous split-thickness grafts from scalp; the donor sites of medium-thickness skin grafts in 3 cases did not undergo split-thickness skin grafting, of which 2 cases had poor healing but healed well after secondary skin grafting 2 weeks after surgery; the donor sites of split-thickness skin grafts in the head of 2 patients healed well; and all donor sites of flaps healed well after autologous skin grafting. During follow-up of more than half a year, 3 gout patients were hospitalized again for surgical treatment due to gout stone rupture, 4 patients were hospitalized again for surgical treatment due to infection, and no recurrent infection was found in the rest of patients. Conclusions: The infected wounds in patients with iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome have poor ability to regenerate and are prone to repeated infection. Local wound treatment together with multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment should be performed to control infection and close wounds in a timely manner, so as to maximize the benefits of patients.

Massive expansion of human induced pluripotent stem cells resulting in efficient biobanking and functional 3D tissue analysis of genetic cardiomyopathies

Introduction

Over the past decade, various protocols were established to ensure efficient differentiation of hiPSC into cardiomyocytes (CMs). A major limitation, however, remained the batch-to-batch variability of hiPSC-CM efficiency and cell number. Here, we suggest an approach in which concomitant GSK-3β inhibition and removal of cell-cell contact inhibition, resulted in a massive proliferative response of hiPSC-CMs1–3. This efficient method allows expansion and passaging of functional hiPSC-CMs, that routinely can be cryopreserved and subsequently used as a stable cell source for the downstream applications, such 3D in vitro models for the disease modelling of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We focussed on the deletion of arginine 14 in the PLN gene (R14del), which is associated with severe heart failure in DCM patients, associated with arrhythmias, cardiac fibrosis and premature death.

Methods

Subsequent expansion of hiPSC-CM cultures is generally modest (<10 fold). Here, we describe a cost-effective strategy for massive expansion (up to 250-fold) of high-purity hiPSC-CMs relying on two aspects; 1) inhibition of cell-cell contact via low-density seeding and serial passaging in culture flask-format, 2)small molecular glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibition with CHIR99021 (CHIR). Patient-specific hiPSC-CMs harbouring a PLNR14del mutation were generated and used for EHT formation and functional follow-up.

Results

We observed that proliferating hiPSC-CMs, especially within the first 2 passages, can routinely be cryopreserved and subsequently further expanded or utilized in downstream applications. Moreover, using this strategy, it is possible to produce ultimately >1 billion CMs within 3–5 weeks starting with one differentiation batch of day 11 hiPSC-CMs, without the need for cell sorting or selection. Expanded hiPSC-CMs retain their capacity to mature and allows fibrin-based engineered heart tissues (EHTs) formation. Previously expanded CMs from PLNR14del patient-specific hiPSC were used to generate EHT and displayed a reduced force phenotype (0.137±0.012 mN) vs healthy control (0.229±0.030 mN) and isogenic control (0.224±0.008 mN) in previously expanded CMs.

Conclusion

We provpresent a novel strategy for the massive expansion of functional hiPSC-CMs with concomitant GSK-3β inhibition and low cell density culture that ultimately generates up to a 250-fold increase in hiPSC-CM numbers. Expansion healthy control hiPSC-CMs does not limit the subsequent maturation process, and moreover cells remain fully functional such as required for downstream tissue engineering approaches. Therefore, CM expansion forms a well-controlled platform for upscaling hiPSC-CM production for functional 3-dimensionale PLN cardiac disease models, large drug screenings and multiple translational/regenerative applications.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): PLN Foundation

Genetic dissection of rod and cone pathways mediating light responses and receptive fields of ganglion cells in the mouse retina

Retinal ganglion cells (GCs) are important visual neurons which carry complex spatiotemporal information from the retina to higher visual centers in the brain. By taking advantage of pathway-specific knockout/mutant mice and multi-electrode array (MEA) recording techniques, we analyze contributions of rod and cone pathways to responsiveness, kinetics and receptive field profiles of GCs under scotopic and photopic conditions. Our data suggest: (1) Scotopic responses of some GCs require all three rod pathways, some require only the secondary and tertiary rod pathways, and others require only the tertiary rod pathway. (2) There are more responsive GCs in photopic conditions than responsive GCs in scotopic conditions. (3) Gap junctions slow down GCs' scotopic light responses and increase GCs' ratio of antagonistic to center inputs. (4) Cone pathways do not affect the kinetics but alter the ratio of antagonistic to center inputs of scotopic GC responses, and they speed up GCs photopic responses and alter the ratio of GCs' antagonistic to center synaptic inputs and receptive field profiles. (5) Rod bipolar cells shorten response latency of ON GCs and increase the ratio of GCs' antagonistic to center synaptic inputs. (6) Light adaptation speeds up GCs' temporal processing and tunes GC photopic responses to higher frequencies, and the tertiary rod pathway plays a significant role in adaptation-induced TTP changes in some GCs. (7) GC RF center sizes are partially mediated by AIIACs and GC-GC coupling. (8) Connexin36 gap junctions and cone pathways alter synaptic circuits underlying antagonistic surround inputs to GCs in photopic conditions.

[Clinical effect and safety of 144-week treatment with entecavir capsules in treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect and safety of entecavir capsules in the treatment of treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: A total of 158 HBeAg-positive CHB patients were given oral entecavir capsules at a dose of 0.5 mg/time once a day for 144 weeks. Clinical outcome and safety were evaluated at baseline and at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 weeks of treatment respectively. The Fisher's exact test was used for the analysis of categorical data. Results: After 144 weeks of treatment, 90.91% of all patients achieved virologic response (< 69 IU/ml), the normalization rate of alanine aminotransferase was 88.18%, the clearance rate of HBeAg was 33.33%, and the seroconversion rate of HBeAg was 24.07%. Of all patients, 2 dropped out due to adverse events and 5 experienced serious adverse reactions. Conclusion: Entecavir capsules can inhibit viral replication and have good safety in treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive CHB patients.

The change in circulating tumor cells before and during concurrent chemoradiotherapy is associated with survival in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the role of baseline circulating tumor cells (CTCs) before and during concurrent chemoradiotherapy and attempted to determine the impacts of CTCs on the outcomes in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

CTCs were detected using a negative selection strategy and flow cytometry protocol.

RESULTS

We observed a significant correlation between baseline CTCs and staging (P = 0.001). The CTC counts were significantly reduced within 2-4 weeks in 47 concurrent chemoradiotherapy responders (P < 0.001). Change of CTC counts correlates with progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.01) and overall survival (OS, P = 0.01). CTC decline status was an independent prognostic factor in PFS (P = 0.03) and OS (P = 0.05) in multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

In chemoradiotherapy responders, CTCs are significantly reduced. CTC decline within the first month indicates a longer PFS and OS, suggesting that the dynamics of CTCs could be more important than CTC number alone.

[The multicenter study on the registration and follow-up of low anticoagulation therapy for the heart valve operation in China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the optimal anticoagulation methods and monitoring strategy for Chinese patients undergoing heart valve replacement, which is potentially quite different from western populations.

METHODS

In this multicenter prospective cohort study, the anticoagulation and monitoring strategy data was acquired from 25 773 in-hospital patients in 35 medical centers and 20 519 patients in outpatient clinic in 11 medical centers from January 1st, 2011 to December 31th, 2015.

RESULTS

As for in-hospital patients, mean age of study population was (48.6±11.2) years old; main etiology of valve pathology was rheumatic (87.5%) origin among study cohort; 94.8% of study population received mechanical valve implantation; international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring (in all the study centers) and low-intensity anticoagulation strategy (31 hospitals chose target INR range of 1.5-2.5, and actual values of INR among 89.2% of 100 069 in-hospital monitoring samples were 1.5-2.5), with mean actual INR values of 1.84±0.53, and warfarin dosage of (2.82±0.93) mg/d were widely adopted among the study centers; strategies of in-hospital warfarin administration were similar in all the study centers; complication rates of low-intensity anticoagulation strategy were low in severe hemorrhage (0.02%), thrombosis (0.05%), and thromboembolism (0.05%) events, without anticoagulation-related death.As for 18 974 outpatient clinic patients, the follow-up rate was 92.47%, with a total of 30 012 patient-years (Pty). Anticoagulation-related morbidity and mortality rates were 0.67% and 0.15% Pty; major hemorrhage morbidity and mortality rates were 0.25% and 0.13% Pty; thromboembolism morbidity and mortality rates were 0.45% and 0.03% Pty.The mean dosage of warfarin daily dosage was (2.85±1.23) mg/d and INR value was 1.82±0.57.No significant regional difference in the intensity of anticoagulation therapy was noted during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

INR can be used as a normalized indicator for intensity of anticoagulation therapy in China.The optimal anticoagulation intensity with INR range from 1.5 to 2.5 is safe and effective for Chinese patients with heart valve replacement, and there is no significant regional difference in the intensity of anticoagulation therapy.

Occurrence, spatial distribution, and ecological risks of typical hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers in surface sediments from a large freshwater lake of China

Hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs) have been frequently observed in marine aquatic environments; however, little information is available on the occurrence of these compounds in freshwater aquatic environments, including freshwater lakes. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and spatial distribution of typical OH-PBDEs, including 2'-OH-BDE-68, 3-OH-BDE-47, 5-OH-BDE-47, and 6-OH-BDE-47 in surface sediments of Taihu Lake. 3-OH-BDE-47 was the predominant congener, followed by 5-OH-BDE-47, 2'-OH-BDE-68, and 6-OH-BDE-47. Distributions of these compounds are drastically different between sampling site which may be a result of differences in nearby point sources, such as the discharge of industrial wastewater and e-waste leachate. The positive correlation between ∑OH-PBDEs and total organic carbon (TOC) was moderate (r = 0.485, p < 0.05), and site S3 and S15 were excluded due to point source pollution, suggesting that OH-PBDEs concentrations were controlled by sediment TOC content, as well as other factors. The pairwise correlations between the concentrations of these compounds suggest that these compounds may have similar input sources and environmental behavior. The target compounds in the sediments of Lake Taihu pose low risks to aquatic organisms. Results show that OH-PBDEs in Lake Taihu are largely dependent on pollution sources. Because of bioaccumulation and subsequent harmful effects on aquatic organisms, the concentrations of OH-PBDEs in freshwater ecosystems are of environmental concern.

Occurrence, distribution and risk assessment of suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals in surface water and suspended particulate matter of Yangtze River (Nanjing section)

The occurrence and distribution of eight selected endocrine-disrupting chemicals were investigated in samples of surface water and suspended particulate matter (SPM) in Nanjing section of Yangtze River over a year (the flow period, the wet period and the dry period). All target compounds were detected at least once in surface water with 4-tert-butylphenol (4-TBP), nonyphenol (NP) and bisphenol A (BPA) as the dominant compounds, with concentrations in the range of 225-1121ng/L, 1.4-858ng/L and 1.7-563ng/L, respectively. Except for December, all selected compounds for the other sampling times were not found in all sampling points. NP (mean concentration 69.8µg/g) and BPA (mean concentration 51.8µg/g) were also the dominant estrogens in SPM. In addition, the highest total compounds concentrations were found in December in both phases, which could be due to the low flow conditions and temperature during this season. Meanwhile, a significant positive correlation was found between the total compounds concentrations in the water phase and those in SPM phase. Risk assessment based on the calculated risk quotients (RQ) showed that low and moderate risk for the aquatic environment from presence of the target compounds at all sampling points with exception of 4-TBP and NP which might pose a high risk to aquatic organisms.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate vs adefovir dipivoxil in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B after 48 weeks: a randomized controlled trial

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has demonstrated long-term efficacy and a high barrier to resistance in multiple chronic hepatitis B (CHB) populations outside of China. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TDF compared with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) in Chinese patients with CHB during 48 weeks of treatment (ClinicalTrial.gov number, NCT01300234). A Phase 3, multicentred, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of TDF with ADV in Chinese patients with CHB. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with HBV DNA <400 copies/mL in each treatment group at Week 48, using an unpooled Z-test for superiority. Secondary endpoints included viral suppression, serologic response, histological improvement, normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and the emergence of resistance mutations. A total of 509 patients, 202 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 307 HBeAg-negative, with HBV DNA ≥10(5) copies/mL received either TDF 300 mg od or ADV 10 mg od. At Week 48, TDF demonstrated superior viral suppression compared with ADV in both HBeAg-positive (76.7% vs 18.2%, P < 0.0001) and HBeAg-negative (96.8% vs 71.2%, P < 0.0001) patients. The majority of patients in both treatment arms achieved ALT normalization (>85%). No resistance to TDF was observed. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between treatment arms (TDF 3.9% vs ADV 4.8%). In this double-blind, randomized, clinical trial, TDF demonstrated superiority over ADV with respect to viral suppression in Chinese patients with CHB at 48 weeks of treatment and without the development of resistance.

[Association of 8-hydroxyguanine glycosidase OGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism with male infertility]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association of 8-hydroxyguanine glycosidase OGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism with semen quality and the risk of male infertility.

METHODS

This case-control study included 620 idiopathic infertile patients and 385 normal fertile controls. We determined their genotypes by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and analyzed their semen quality by computer-aided semen analysis (CASA).

RESULTS

The individuals with OGG1 326 Cys/Cys showed significantly lower sperm motility and concentration ([52.1 +/- 26.7]% and (3.75 +/- 0.91) x 10(6)/ml, ln transformed value) than the Ser/Ser carriers ([59.0 +/- 21.8] % and (4.12 +/- 0.88) x 10(6)/ml, ln transformed value) (P < 0.05). The risk of male infertility increased 69% in the OGG1 326Cys allele carriers as compared with the Ser carriers (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.24 -2.31).

CONCLUSION

OGG1 326 Ser/Cys polymorphism might contribute to the risk of male infertility in the southern Chinese population.

[Bulky DNA adducts in human sperm correlate with semen parameters and sperm apoptosis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlation of sperm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)-DNA adducts with semen quality and sperm apoptosis.

METHODS

We collected semen samples from 433 infertile Chinese men, detected sperm PAH-DNA adducts using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry, and determined the rate of sperm apoptosis by TUNEL.

RESULTS

Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the level of sperm PAH-DNA adducts was correlated negatively with sperm concentration (beta = -0.632), total sperm count (beta = -0.830) and sperm motility (beta = -9.647), but positively with the rate of sperm apoptosis (beta = 0.130).

CONCLUSION

Sperm PAH-DNA adducts are evidently correlated with semen quality and sperm apoptosis, and play an important role in the evaluation of male productivity.

Two years efficiency of lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil combined therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND

Lamivudine (LAM) and adefovir (ADV) are widely used in most Asian countries, though monotherapy is associated with the occurrence of resistance.

AIM

To evaluate the efficiency of LAM and ADV combined treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients with compensated cirrhosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

206 eligible Chinese patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either LAM or ADV for the first 24 weeks. According to virologic response at 24 weeks, the patients either continued to monotherapy or switched to combined therapy for 48 weeks. After 48 weeks, all patients received LAM and ADV combined therapy for 96 weeks.

RESULTS

Serum HBV DNA levels significantly decreased in patients with ADV or LAM monotherapy and continuously reduced after the combined therapy. Serum ALT normalized rate were 88.24% and 81.37% at week 48, and 95.74% and 87.36% at week 96 in ADV and LAM group respectively, comparing to 60.78% and 56.73% in ADV and LAM groups at baseline. The accumulated virological breakthrough rate at week 48 and 96 was significantly higher in LAM group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both combination strategies were resulted in the long term virological, biochemical improvement in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients with compensated cirrhosis.

Full electric control of exchange bias

We report the creation of a multiferroic field effect device with a BiFeO(3) (BFO) (antiferromagnetic-ferroelectric) gate dielectric and a La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO(3) (LSMO) (ferromagnetic) conducting channel that exhibits direct, bipolar electrical control of exchange bias. We show that exchange bias is reversibly switched between two stable states with opposite exchange bias polarities upon ferroelectric poling of the BFO. No field cooling, temperature cycling, or additional applied magnetic or electric field beyond the initial BFO polarization is needed for this bipolar modulation effect. Based on these results and the current understanding of exchange bias, we propose a model to explain the control of exchange bias. In this model the coupled antiferromagnetic-ferroelectric order in BFO along with the modulation of interfacial exchange interactions due to ionic displacement of Fe(3+) in BFO relative to Mn(3+/4+) in LSMO cause bipolar modulation.

Reversible electric control of exchange bias in a multiferroic field-effect device

Electric-field control of magnetization has many potential applications in magnetic memory storage, sensors and spintronics. One approach to obtain this control is through multiferroic materials. Instead of using direct coupling between ferroelectric and ferromagnetic order parameters in a single-phase multiferroic material, which only shows a weak magnetoelectric effect, a unique method using indirect coupling through an intermediate antiferromagnetic order parameter can be used. In this article, we demonstrate electrical control of exchange bias using a field-effect device employing multiferroic (ferroelectric/antiferromagnetic) BiFeO(3) as the dielectric and ferromagnetic La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO(3) as the conducting channel; we can reversibly switch between two distinct exchange-bias states by switching the ferroelectric polarization of BiFeO(3). This is an important step towards controlling magnetization with electric fields, which may enable a new class of electrically controllable spintronic devices and provide a new basis for producing electrically controllable spin-polarized currents.

Detection of survivin-expressing circulating cancer cells in the peripheral blood of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its clinical significance

We previously demonstrated that the detection of circulating cancer cells (CCC) expressing survivin mRNA could provide valuable information for predicting recurrence in patients with breast, lung, gastric and colorectal carcinoma. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the detection of survivin-expressing CCC in the peripheral blood is also useful for predicting recurrence in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Blood samples obtained from 108 ESCC patients and 75 healthy volunteers were quantitatively investigated by a technique that detected reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction products based on a hybridization-enzyme linked immunosorbent essay. Not all of the patients were available for the follow-up study. Only 48 patients who were treated with similar adjuvant therapy regimens were available and followed-up for 33 months after the initial assay test. Survivin-expressing CCC were detected in 51 (47.2%) patients. The presence of survivin-expressing CCC was found to be significantly associated with depth of invasion, vascular invasion, nodal status, and disease stages (P = 0.032, 0.019, 0.018, and 0.001, respectively). During the follow-up period, patients who had positive survivin expressions had a higher relapse rate and a shorter survival time than those who had negative survivin expressions (P = 0.002 and 0.016, respectively). Examination of survivin-expressing CCC could provide valuable information in the prediction of haematogenous recurrence as well as in the prognosis of ESCC.

Preparation, characterization, and anti-tumor property of podophyllotoxin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles

In an effort to develop an alternative formulation of podophyllotoxin suitable for drug release and delivery, podophyllotoxin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (PPT-SLNs) were constructed, characterized and examined for in vitro cytotoxicity and tumor inhibition. The SLNs were prepared by using a solvent emulsification-evaporation method, and their size was around 50 nm. TEM detection showed that the SLNs were homogeneous and spherical in shape, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement revealed a new conformation of PPT-SLNs. An in vitro drug release study showed that PPT was released from the SLNs in a slow but time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the treatment of 293T and HeLa cells with PPT-SLNs demonstrated that PPT-SLNs were less toxic to normal cells and more effective in anti-tumor potency compared with unconjugated PPT. A colony forming efficiency assay showed an effective long-term cancer growth suppression of PPT-SLNs; in addition, they can also enhance the apoptotic and cellular uptake processes on tumor cells compared with PPT. These results collectively demonstrated that this SLN formulation has a potential application as an alternative delivery system for anti-tumor drugs.

A new method for CE-EC determination of mercaptopurine (MP) in a PMMA biochip with on-chip gold nano-electrode ensemble (GNEE) working and decouple electrodes

This paper presents a new method for CE-EC determination of Mercaptopurine (MP), one of the most important medicines for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, in a PMMA-based microfluidic chip. A simple and reliable process for preparing the template of gold nanoelectrode ensemble (GNEE) and fabricating the integrated microfluidic chip is reported in the present study. The use of GNEE electrodes for both electric current decoupling and signal sensing in the proposed CE-EC chip not only enhances the signal response but also decreases the background noise during detection. Results show that a good detection limit of 100 nM for detecting mercaptopurine is achieved with the proposed method. In addition, the measured results also shows a good linear response between the detected CE-EC signals and the concentration of MP within the range of 100 nM-10 mM (R2 = 0.989). The proposed microchip device provides a novel and fast detection method for mercaptopurine analysis.

The effects of maternal Cd on the metallothionein expression in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) embryos and larvae

The purpose of this study was to identify the factor(s) which would enhance the Cd resistance as assessed by the metallothionein (MT) expression in tilapia larvae. Larvae were collected from parents that were pretreated respectively with Cd or saline. At the end of the 12-week experiment, the hepatic MT and Cd contents in the breeding female fish were recorded. Our results indicated that a significant relationship between Cd and MT contents can be found in the offspring from the parent fish treated with Cd. However, the higher Cd resistance, Cd contents, and MT expression were limited to those larvae from parent fish bred within 4 weeks of the injection. By week 12, the Cd-treated fish still contained high levels of MT in their hepatic tissues. However, the MT and Cd contents in the larvae from these adult fish were not significantly different from those from the controls. In summary, we suggest that the higher Cd resistance of larvae from the egg stage was a result of the Cd contamination of the parent female, as evidenced by an increase in MT expression induced in tilapia embryos and larvae.

Selection of a phage-displayed peptide recognized by monoclonal antibody directed blocking the site of hepatitis C virus E2 for human CD81

The human CD81 (hCD81) molecule has been identified as a putative receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV envelope glycoprotein 2 (E2) most likely plays a pivotal role in binding to host cells by interacting with the hCD81 molecule. In this study, a phage-displayed peptide library was used to select small peptides with anti-hCD81 monoclonal antibody JS-81. The output/input ratio of phages increased about 91 fold after the third round of selection. Eight of the 30 phage clones selected from the phage library showed specific binding to the anti-hCD81 by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Competitive inhibition test further demonstrated that HCV E2 could significantly inhibit the binding of a positive phage clone to anti-hCD81 JS-81. Exogenous small peptide ATWVCGPCT contained by the positive phage clones showed aligned with the hCD81 sequence from 153-161 by sequence analyses. These results suggest that the selected ATWVCGPCT is a novel hCD81-like small peptide, which can block the binding site of HCV E2 for hCD81. It may be of further application on development of antiviral agents targeting the stage of HCV entry.

Effects of Ca2+ or Na+ on metallothionein expression in tilapia larvae (Oreochromis mossambicus) exposed to cadmium or copper

The objectives of this study were to try to determine the reasons of the external Ca(2+) and Na(+) enhancement of Cd(2+) and Cu(2+) resistance in fish. Tilapia larvae at 3 days posthatch were exposed to (A) 0 (control), 40 microg/L Cd(2+), 40 microg/L Cd(2+) + 2 mM Ca(2+) (Cd/hyper-Ca), and 2 mM Ca(2+) or (B) 0 (control), 75 microg/L Cu(2+), 75 microg/L Cu(2+) + 0.52 mM Na(+) (Cu/hyper-Na), and 0.52 mM Na(+). After 48 hours, results indicated that (1) Cd/hyper-Ca and Cu/hyper-Na treatments showed decreased growth inhibition induced by the metals; (2) metal accumulation in Cd/hyper-Ca-treated larvae was lower compared with those exposed only to Cd; and (3) metallothionein (MT) expression was significantly higher in Cu/hyper-Na-treated larvae than in the group treated with Cu only. Taking all of this into account, either supplementary Ca(2+) or Na(+) in ambient water may help fish to maintain Ca(2+) or Na(+) homeostasis, which could decrease metal accumulation and its detrimental effects. Consequently, the fish increase MT expression and retard the growth inhibition caused by metals.

Standard treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection is suboptimal in non-ulcer dyspepsia compared with duodenal ulcer in Chinese

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that the Helicobacter pylori eradication rate in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia is lower when compared to patients with peptic ulcer diseases.

AIM

The aim of this study was to study the efficacy of triple therapy for H. pylori infection in patients with duodenal ulcer vs. patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia.

METHODS

A total of 582 Chinese patients with proven H. pylori infection were recruited to receive: omeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg and clarithromycin 500 mg all given twice daily for 7 days (OCA regime). Endoscopy with rapid urease test, histology and culture were performed before treatment. Post-treatment H. pylori status was determined by (13)C-urea breath test. Metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin resistance was defined as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of >8 microg/mL, >1 microg/mL and >1 microg/mL, respectively.

RESULTS

A significantly higher (intention-to-treat/per-protocol) eradication rate was found in patients with duodenal ulcer than those with non-ulcer dyspepsia (91/94% vs. 84/88% respectively, P = 0.011 and P = 0.016). Clarithromycin resistance rate was higher in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia than those with duodenal ulcer (14% vs. 6%, P = 0.015). Clarithromycin resistance (40% vs. 5%, P < 0.001, OR 12, 95% CI: 5.7-24.3) and the diagnosis of non-ulcer dyspepsia (91% vs. 84%, P = 0.011, OR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.3) significantly affected the success of H. pylori eradication.

CONCLUSION

Clarithromycin resistance accounts for the significantly lower and suboptimal H. pylori eradication rate of OCA regimen in Chinese patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia compared to those with duodenal ulcer.

Family size, miscarriage-proneness, and handedness: tests of hypotheses of the developmental instability theory of handedness

The handedness theory of Yeo and Gangestad (1993) posits that moderate right-handedness is the modal manifestation of genetic handedness and that ''developmental instability'' produces deviations from modal handedness. It is also suggested (1) that sinistral parents may produce fewer offspring than do dextral parents; and (2) that sinistral mothers may be more prone to miscarriages than are dextral mothers. In line with these hypotheses, Gangestad et al. (1996) reported that a human leukocyte antigen (B8) was related to both left-handedness and to reduced offspring number in their study. They also found that left-handedness was related to the human leukocyte antigen DR3, and Yeo and Gangestad (1998) noted that this antigen has been found by Christiansen et al. (1996) to be associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion in women. We assessed the first hypothesis through a study of the family sizes of 2083 families with two right-handed parents and 502 families having one or more left-handed parents; we assessed the second hypothesis from miscarriage history data supplied by 300 dextral and 52 sinistral mothers. Results supported the developmental instability theory with respect to the hypothesis regarding family size, but not with respect to the hypothesis regarding miscarriage-proneness.

Naturopathic and Western herbal medicine practice in Australia-a workforce survey

BACKGROUND

Despite substantial growth in the use of complementary medicine, no comprehensive national study has been undertaken of the naturopathic and Western herbal medicine component of the healthcare workforce in Australia. This study aimed to examine the nature of these practices and this currently unregulated workforce in Australia.

METHODS

A comprehensive survey questionnaire was developed in consultation with the profession and distributed nationally to all members of the naturopathic and Western herbal medicine workforce.

RESULTS

The practices of herbal medicine and naturopathy make up a sizeable component of the Australian healthcare sector, with approximately 1.9 million consultations annually and an estimated turnover of $AUD 85 million in consultations (excluding the cost of medicines). A large proportion of patients are referred to practitioners by word of mouth. Up to one third of practitioners work in multidisciplinary clinics with other registered sectors of the healthcare community. The number of adverse events associated with herbal medicines, nutritional substances and homoeopathic medicines recorded in Australia is substantial and the types of events reported are not trivial. Data suggest that practitioners will experience one adverse event every 11 months of full-time practice, with 2.3 adverse events for every 1000 consultations (excluding mild gastrointestinal effects).

CONCLUSION

These data confirm the considerable degree of utilisation of naturopathic and Western herbal medicine practitioners by the Australian public. However, there is a need to examine whether statutory regulation of practitioners of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine is required to better protect the public.

Effects of copper sulfate on ion balance and growth in tilapia larvae (Oreochromis mossambicus)

Newly hatched tilapia larvae were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Cu2+ (0, 30, 50, and 100 microg/L) and lethal concentrations of Cu2+ (200 and 400 microg/L) for 24-96 h. The interaction of the exposure dose and time was related to the Cu2+ accumulation rate, which showed a higher accumulation rate with sublethal concentrations of Cu2+ within 24 h compared to the other treatments. Furthermore, Cu2+ contents in the whole body of larvae significantly increased following Cu2+ exposure times up to 96 h. Cu2+ in the medium produced a dose-response effect on Na+ and K+ contents in larvae after 96 h of exposure time. Changes in Ca2+ contents statistically significantly decreased and were shown to be dose-responsive for larval exposure times exceeding 72 h. Changes of Ca2+ contents were more sensitive than those of Na+ and K+ with Cu2+ treatment of early larvae. Notably Na+ and K+ contents showed significant increases of 17-23% in larvae exposed to low concentrations of Cu2+ (30-50 microg/L) for 24-72 h as compared to control larvae. Cu2+ caused no significant effect on body Cl- content or osmolality except at 100 microg/L Cu2+ for 24 h in tilapia larvae as compared to the control. However, there was a restoration phenomenon in larvae exposed to 100 microg/L Cu2+ for longer than 72 h. The water content of larvae exposed to Cu2+ for 96 h significantly decreased. The yolk absorption rate of tilapia larvae was significantly suppressed when they were exposed to Cu2+ medium containing 30, 50, 100, 200, or 400 Cu2+ microg/L from 72 h post transfer. These results obviously show that larvae are sensitive to Cu2+ during early development.

Protoporphyrin IX production and its photodynamic effects on glioma cells, neuroblastoma cells and normal cerebellar granule cells in vitro with 5-aminolevulinic acid and its hexylester

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has shown promising in photodynamic detection and therapy of brain tumor. However, the knowledge on selective accumulation of ALA-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in brain tumor tissue is still fragment. In the present study, the rat C6 glioma cells, human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells, and rat normal cerebellar granule cells (RCG) were used to investigate the PpIX production and photocytotoxicity in vitro. The C6 cells and SK-N-SH cells showed a similar kinetics of PpIX accumulation after exposure to ALA or ALA hexyl ester (ALA-H), with an initial increase up to 6-8 h and then saturated. In the case of RCG cells, the PpIX accumulation slowly increased until 12 h studied. However the cellular PpIX content was more than 10 times higher in the C6 and SK-N-SH cells than that in the normal RCG cells. The intracellular localization of PpIX measured by cofocal laser scanning microscopy was in same pattern in the C6 glioma cells and RCG normal cells with a diffuse cytoplasm distribution. The sensitivity of the C6 cells and SK-N-SH cells to ALA or ALA-H PDT was similar. It appears that ALA-H could achieve similar or slightly better results than ALA with respect to PpIX production and photoinactivation of cells, although a 10 times lower concentration of ALA-H was used.

Identification and expression of human CD81 gene on murine NIH/3T3 cell membrane

The human CD81 (hCD81) molecule has been identified as a putative receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV). In this study, eukaryotic expression vector pCDM8-hCD81 containing hCD81 cDNA and pSV2neo helper plasmid was used to cotransfect with lipofectamine into murine fibroblast cell line NIH/3T3 to establish an hCD81-expressing cell line. Resistant cell clones were obtained 20 days after the selection with neomycin (600 micro/ml) and then cultured as monoclones. The expression of the transfected hCD81 gene in the cells was verified by RT-PCR and flow cytometry analyses. One of the selected cell clones showed obvious expression of hCD81 and was named NIH/3T3-hCD81. Competitive inhibition tests indicated that the binding of monoclonal anti-hCD81 (JS-81) to NIH/3T3-hCD81 cells was inhibited by recombinant HCV E2 protein, suggesting that the expressed hCD81 molecules on NIH/3T3-hCD81 cells maintain natural conformation of binding to HCV E2. The transfected NIH/3T3-hCD81 cells should be of great potential value in studies on HCV attachment and onset of infection.

Non-invasive assessment of arterial distension waveforms using gradient-based hough transform and power Doppler ultrasound imaging

The peripheral arterial vessel often appears as an elliptic shape under the constraints of the surrounding tissues. In this study, the gradient-based Hough transform was used to detect the central location of the ellipse and the lumen area of the arterial vessel non-invasively using power Doppler imaging. Sequential ultrasound images were used to construct arterial distension waveforms in both the major- and minor-axis directions for a few cardiac cycles. The common carotid arteries (CCAs) for nine healthy male volunteers (mean age 24 years), in the sitting position, were investigated in vivo. The CCAs (n = 9) had a mean diameter of 5.83mm, and the pulsatile diameter distension was 13.7+/-1.9%. The brachial artery and dorsalis pedis artery for five healthy male volunteers (mean age 26 years), in the supine position, had mean diameters of 4.03mm and 2.83mm and distensions of 16.7+/-4.6% and 15.5+/-5.4%, respectively. The movement of the arterial centre location during the cardiac cycle reflected the asymmetry of the reaction forces produced by the surrounding soft tissues. The present method can obtain the response of vessel distension to pulse pressure, as well as the constrained conditions of the arteries.

Spectrum of mutations of the AAAS gene in Allgrove syndrome: lack of mutations in six kindreds with isolated resistance to corticotropin

Familial glucocorticoid deficiency due to corticotropin (ACTH) resistance consists of two distinct genetic syndromes that are both inherited as autosomal recessive traits: isolated ACTH resistance (iACTHR), which may be caused by inactivating mutations of the ACTH receptor (the MC2R gene) or mutations in an as yet unknown gene(s), and Allgrove syndrome (AS). The latter is also known as triple-A syndrome (MIM 231550). In three large cohorts of AS kindreds, the disease has been mapped to chromosome 12; most recently, mutations in the AAAS gene on 12q13 were found in these AS families. AAAS codes for the WD-repeat containing ALADIN (for alacrima-achalasia-adrenal insufficiency-neurologic disorder) protein. We investigated families with iACTHR (n = 4) and AS (n = 6) and a Bedouin family with ACTHR and a known defect of the TSH receptor. Four AS families were of mixed extraction from Puerto Rico (PR); most of the remaining six families were Caucasian families from North America (NA). Sequencing analysis found no MC2R genetic defects in any of the kindreds. No iACTHR kindreds, but all of AS families, had AAAS mutations. The previously reported IVS14+1G-->A splice donor mutation was found in all PR families, apparently due to a founder effect; one NA kindred was heterozygous for this mutation. In the latter family, long-range PCR failed to identify a deletion or other rearrangements of the AAAS gene. No other heterozygote or transmitting parent had any phenotype that could be considered part of AS. The IVS14+1G-->A mutation results in a premature termination of the predicted protein; although it was present in all PR families (in the homozygote state in three of them), there was substantial clinical variation between them. One PR family also carried a novel splice donor mutation of the AAAS gene in exon 11, IVS11+1G-->A; the proband was a compound heterozygote. A novel point mutation, 43C-->A(Gln15Lys), in exon 1 of the AAAS gene was identified in the homozygote state in a Canadian AS kindred with a milder AS phenotype. The predicted amino acid substitution in this family is located in a sequence that may participate in the preservation of stability of ALADIN beta-strands, whereas the splicing mutation in exon 11 may interfere with the formation of WD repeats in this molecule. We conclude that 1) AAAS does not appear to be frequently mutated in families with iACTHR; 2) AAAS is mutated in AS families from PR (that had previously been mapped to 12q13) and NA; and, 3) there is significant clinical variability between patients with the same AAAS defect.

AMPA-preferring receptors mediate excitatory non-NMDA responses of primate retinal ganglion cells

Glutamate and kainate-induced currents of primate ganglion cells were studied using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique in a retinal slice preparation. Antagonists and allosteric modulators of desensitization selective for either alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoazoleprionic acid (AMPA)- or kainate-preferring receptors were used to determine the contributions of each type of receptor to excitatory responses. With synaptic transmission and NMDA receptors blocked, the AMPA-preferring receptor antagonist GYKI 52466 (30 microM-100 microM) reversibly blocked most of the glutamate-induced current in ganglion cells. GYKI 52466 also blocked the response in ganglion cells to focally applied kainate, suggesting that the current response to kainate arises from activation of AMPA-preferring receptors, and not kainate-preferring receptors. Both cyclothiazide (10 microM-100 microM) and the novel drug 4-[2-(phenylsulfonylamino)ethylthio]-2,6-difluoro-phenoxyacetamide (PEPA, 20 microM-100 microM), which selectively enhance responses mediated by AMPA-preferring receptors, enhanced glutamate-induced responses of ganglion cells. Since these drugs preferentially inhibit desensitization of the flip and flop splice variants, respectively, of AMPA-preferring receptors, it is likely that both splice variants are present on these ganglion cells. Concanavalin A, which selectively suppresses the desensitization of kainate-preferring receptors, had no effect on the glutamate-induced responses of ganglion cells. We conclude that the non-NMDA component of the excitatory, glutamatergic input to primate ganglion cells is mediated largely by AMPA-preferring receptors, with little, if any, kainate-preferring receptor-mediated response.

Head-column field-amplified sample stacking in capillary electrophoresis for the determination of cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine-HCl in plasma

In this study, low concentrations of histamine2-receptor (H2-)antagonists were effected across a water plug, with separation taking place in a binary buffer comprising ethylene glycol and NaH2PO4 (pH 5.0), and detection at 214 nm. Liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate- isopropanol is shown to provide extracts that are sufficiently clean. The calibration curves were linear over a concentration range of 0.1-2.00 microg/mL cimetidine, 0.2-5.0 microg/mL ranitidine-HCl, 0.3-5.0 microg/mL nizatidine, and 0.1-3.0 microg/mL famotidine. Mean recoveries were > 82%, while the intra- and interday relative standard deviations (RSDs) and relative errors (REs) were all < 13%. The method is sensitive with a detection limit of 3 ng/mL cimetidine, 30 ng/mL ranitidine HCl, 50 ng/mL nizatidine and 10 ng/mL famotidine (S/N = 3, electric-driven injection 90 s). This newly developed capillary electrophoresis (CE) method was applied for the determination of analytes extracted from plasma taken from a volunteer dosing a cimetidine, ranitidine, and nizatidine tablet simultaneously. These three H2-antagonists can be detected in real samples by this method, excluding the low dosing of famotidine tablet.

Simultaneous determination of cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine in tablets by capillary zone electrophoresis

A simple capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method is described for the simultaneous determination of cimetidine (CIM), famotidine (FAM), nizatidine (NIZ), and ranitidine (RAN). The analysis of these drugs was performed in a 100 mM phosphate buffer, pH 3.5. Several parameters were studied, including wavelength for detection, concentration and pH of phosphate buffer, and separation voltage. The quantitative ranges were 100-1,000 microM for each analyte. The intra- and interday relative standard deviations (n = 5) were all less than 4%. The detection limits were found to be about 10 microM for CIM, 20 microM for RAN, 20 microM for NIZ, and 10 microM for FAM (S/N = 3, injection 1 s) at 214 nm. All recoveries were greater than 92%. Applications of the method to the assay of these drugs in tablets proved to be feasible.

alpha(2)-Macroglobulin from rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid: functional analysis defines a role for oxidation in inflammation

A hallmark of inflammation is the release of oxidants, proteinases, and cytokines, all important mediators of the inflammatory cascade. alpha(2)-Macroglobulin (alpha(2)M) is a high-affinity, broad-specificity proteinase inhibitor that also binds and regulates the biological activities of a number of cytokines. We demonstrated recently that hypochlorite-oxidized alpha(2)M has decreased ability to inhibit proteinases and regulate cytokines in vitro. The role of oxidation in regulating alpha(2)M functions in vivo is largely unknown. To determine the extent and biological consequence of in vivo alpha(2)M oxidation, we measured the degree of oxidative alpha(2)M modification from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid and compared this with osteoarthritis (OA) as noninflammatory controls. We found that RA synovial fluid alpha(2)M is significantly more oxidized than that from OA. RA synovial fluid also contains a twofold higher median alpha(2)M level than OA, while having only half the alpha(2)M-proteinase inhibitory activity. Detailed biochemical analysis demonstrates proteolytically degraded alpha(2)M in RA greater than in OA synovial fluid. Additionally, the hypochlorite-mediated oxidation product, chlorotyrosine, is present in RA more than in OA or plasma alpha(2)M samples. Taken together, these findings confirm a role for oxidative regulation of inflammation by altering the functions of extracellular mediators such as alpha(2)M.

Differential regulation of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family by alpha(2)-macroglobulin: evidence for selective modulation of FGF-2-induced angiogenesis

The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family has an important role in processes such as angiogenesis, wound healing, and development in which precise control of proteinase activity is important. The human plasma proteinase inhibitor alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha(2)M) regulates cellular growth by binding and modulating the activity of many cytokines and growth factors. These studies investigate the ability of native and activated alpha(2)M (alpha(2)M*) to bind to members of the FGF family. Both alpha(2)M and alpha(2)M* bind specifically and saturably to FGF-1, -2, -4, and -6, although the binding to alpha(2)M* is of significantly higher affinity. Neither alpha(2)M nor alpha(2)M* bind to FGF-5, -7, -9, or -10. FGF-2 was chosen for more extensive study in view of its important role in angiogenesis. It was demonstrated that FGF-2 binds to the previously identified TGF-beta binding site. The alpha(2)M* inhibits FGF-2-dependent fetal bovine heart endothelial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Unexpectedly, alpha(2)M* does not affect FGF-2-induced vascular tubule formation on Matrigel basement membrane matrix or collagen gels. Further studies demonstrate that FGF-2 partitions between fluid-phase alpha(2)M* and solid-phase Matrigel or collagen. These studies suggest that the ability of alpha(2)M* to modulate the activity of FGF-2 is dependent on an interplay with extracellular matrix components. (Blood. 2001;97:3450-3457)

Immunocytochemical analysis of cholinergic amacrine cells in the tiger salamander retina

Cholinergic amacrine cells in the tiger salamander retina were observed for the first time by using antibodies against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). ChAT-immunoreactive cells were present in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and the somas of the former population (average diameter = 15.13 microm) were slightly smaller than those of the latter population (average diameter = 16.42 microm). The processes of these cells form two distinct narrow bands in the inner plexiform layer (IPL), one located near 0.2 inner plexiform units (IU) and the other near 0.65-0.7 IU. Soma size, cell density and spatial distribution of ChAT-positive cells were quantitatively analyzed. Our results suggest that cholinergic amacrine cells in the salamander retina are very similar to their counter parts in other species, and they can be used as a model system for studying cholinergic functions in the visual system.

Apoptotic cell death of cultured salamander photoreceptors induced by cccp: CsA-insensitive mitochondrial permeability transition

Photoreceptor degeneration is mediated by apoptosis in several animal models, although the underlying mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. We present here an apoptotic model based on a primary cell culture of tiger salamander photoreceptors, in which treatment with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (cccp), a protonophore, induced apoptosis. Cells exposed to cccp showed condensed nuclei and displayed positive TdT-dUTP terminal nick-end labeling (TUNEL). In addition, 10–100 microM cccp rapidly induced a reduction of Delta psi(m) and &gt; or = 30 microM cccp induced a significant leakage of calcein from mitochondria to cytosol and nucleus, indicating a change in mitochondrial inner membrane permeability. Cyclosporin A (CsA), a transition pore blocker, did not prevent the cccp-induced MPT or the cccp-evoked apoptotic cell death, suggesting that cccp-induced apoptotic process was mediated by a CsA-insensitive pathway. This cell model provides an in vitro tool for studying mechanisms of photoreceptor apoptosis in isolated photoreceptors and may provide clues to the etiology of retinal degeneration.

Delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase polymorphism and blood lead levels in Chinese children

This study investigated the relationship between the delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALAD) isozymes and the blood lead levels of Chinese children. The purpose of this study was to determine the precise ALAD genotyping in Chinese children and identify the contribution of the ALAD genotype to the body lead burden. Blood samples were obtained from 109 boys and 120 girls. These children were 6-10 years old and from a single primary school. Both the school and their homes were within a community in which a large smelter was located. An environmental questionnaire was obtained for each subject, and blood lead levels and ALAD isozyme phenotype were analyzed in a double-blinded fashion. The blood lead levels of 229 children ranged from 4.5 to 26.4 microg/dl; the mean was 10.3 microg/dl and the standard deviation was 3.3 microg/dl. The gene distribution of the ALAD isozyme phenotypes in these environmentally exposed children was ALAD 1-1 (92%), ALAD 1-2, (8%), and ALAD 2-2 (0%). The mean blood level of the environmentally exposed children, who were homozygous for the ALAD1 allele, was 9.7 microg/dl; the mean for those who were heterozygous for the ALAD2 allele was 11.7 microg/dl. Using the t test, the means of the groups were different at the level of t=2.2058, P<0.05. Step-wise regression and multiple analyses of covariance were employed to control the confounders to measuring the independent contribution of the ALAD genotype on blood lead levels. After controlling the confounders, the contribution of the ALAD genotype to the blood lead level was greater and still statistically significant (F=7.3201, P<0.01). These results indicate that individuals carrying the ALAD2 allele are more likely to have sustained increases in blood lead levels when exposed to a lead-contaminated environment.

Expression and characterization of the naturally occurring mutation L394R in human gamma-glutamyl carboxylase

Patients with mutation L394R in gamma-glutamyl carboxylase have a severe bleeding disorder because of decreased biological activities of all vitamin K-dependent coagulation proteins. Vitamin K administration partially corrects this deficiency. To characterize L394R, we purified recombinant mutant L394R and wild-type carboxylase expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells. By kinetic studies, we analyzed the catalytic activity of mutant L394R and its binding to factor IX's propeptide and vitamin KH(2). Mutant L394R differs from its wild-type counterpart as follows: 1) 110-fold higher K(i) for Boc-mEEV, an active site-specific, competitive inhibitor of FLEEL; 2) 30-fold lower V(max)/K(m) toward the substrate FLEEL in the presence of the propeptide; 3) severely reduced activity toward FLEEL carboxylation in the absence of the propeptide; 4) 7-fold decreased affinity for the propeptide; 5) 9-fold higher K(m) for FIXproGla, a substrate containing the propeptide and the Gla domain of human factor IX; and 6) 5-fold higher K(m) for vitamin KH(2). The primary defect in mutant L394R appears to be in its glutamate-binding site. To a lesser degree, the propeptide and KH(2) binding properties are altered in the L394R mutant. Compared with its wild-type counterpart, the L394R mutant shows an augmented activation of FLEEL carboxylation by the propeptide.

The conformation-dependent interaction of alpha 2-macroglobulin with vascular endothelial growth factor. A novel mechanism of alpha 2-macroglobulin/growth factor binding

alpha(2)-Macroglobulin (alpha(2)M) is a highly conserved proteinase inhibitor present in human plasma at high concentration (2-4 mg/ml). alpha(2)M exists in two conformations, a native form and an activated, receptor-recognized form. While alpha(2)M binds to numerous cytokines and growth factors, in most cases, the nature of the alpha(2)M interaction with these factors is poorly understood. We examined in detail the interaction between alpha(2)M and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and found a novel and unexpected mechanism of interaction as demonstrated by the following observations: 1) the binding of VEGF to alpha(2)M occurs at a site distinct from the recently characterized growth factor binding site; 2) VEGF binds different forms of alpha(2)M with distinct spatial arrangement, namely to the interior of methylamine or ammonia-treated alpha(2)M and to the exterior of native and proteinase-converted alpha(2)M; and 3) VEGF (molecular mass approximately 40 kDa) can access the interior of receptor-recognized alpha(2)M in the absence of a proteinase trapped within the molecule. VEGF bound to receptor-recognized forms of alpha(2)M is internalized and degraded by macrophages via the alpha(2)M receptor, the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein. Oxidation of both native and receptor-recognized alpha(2)M results in significant inhibition of VEGF binding. We also examined the biological significance of this interaction by studying the effect of alpha(2)M on VEGF-induced cell proliferation and VEGF-induced up-regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) levels. We demonstrate that under physiological conditions, alpha(2)M does not impact the ability of VEGF to induce cell proliferation or up-regulate Ca(2+).

Morphological and electrophysiological properties of dissociated primate retinal cells

Although isolated retinal cell preparations have been used widely to study retinal function in lower vertebrates, dissociated cells from primate retina have not been developed for routine physiological experiments. In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of obtaining viable and identifiable dissociated cells from the primate retina. In addition, we characterized voltage-dependent membrane currents in each type of primate retinal cell with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Multiple types of ionic conductance with distinctive current profiles were recorded in various types of primate retinal neurons. Photoreceptors exhibited an inward I(H) activated by membrane hyperpolarization and an outward current activated at depolarized potentials. Two types of potassium currents (transient potassium current, I(K(A)), and delayed rectifier potassium current, I(K(V))) were recorded from bipolar cells. I(K(A)) dominated the current response in putative midget bipolar cells, and I(K(V)) was mainly associated with putative rod bipolar cells. L-type calcium currents (I(Ca)) were observed in primate bipolar cells with axon terminals, but not in axotomized bipolar cells. Large voltage-dependent sodium currents (I(Na)) were only recorded from ganglion cells. Muller cells exhibited I(K(V)) and large potassium inward rectifier current (I(K(IR))), and occasionally a small I(Na). Neurons with electrophysiological signatures of amacrine cells and horizontal cells were also studied even though their morphological features were lost during cell dissociation. By using both morphological and physiological criteria outlined in this report, it is possible to use the dissociated retinal cell preparation as an in vitro system for physiological, biochemical and pharmacological studies of the primate visual system.

Metallothionein induction in early larval stages of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

Amounts of whole-body metallothionein (MT) in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae increased to a peak (1,500 ng mg(-1) protein) 1 d after hatching (H1), decreased rapidly thereafter, and was maintained at a constant level (700 ng mg(-1)) 3 d after hatching (H3). Waterborne Cd(2+) could stimulate MT expression in newly hatched (H0) larvae in dose-dependent and time-dependent patterns. H0 larvae, which were treated with 35 microg L(-1) Cd(2+) for 24 h, showed a 1.7-fold increase in the MT amount (174.0+/-64.7) and a 6. 5-fold increase in accumulated Cd(2+) but no significant change in Ca(2+) content, compared with the H0 control (MT, 102.6+/-48.1). H3 larvae with the same treatment revealed about a 10-fold increase in accumulated Cd(2+), a 10% decrease in Ca(2+) content, but no change in MT (261.2+/-120.0), compared with the H3 control (MT, 330+/-74.0). H0 larvae could synthesize more MT to bind Cd(2+) for detoxification in 35 microg L(-1) Cd(2+), a dose that would not affect normal physiology or survival of H0 larvae. On the other hand, 35 microg L(-1) Cd(2+) caused H3 larvae to experience hypocalcemia, an abnormal physiological condition, in which H3 larvae could not synthesize sufficient MT, thus causing greater than 25% mortality. These results indicate for the first time that the inducibility of MT by waterborne Cd(2+) is development dependent, being correlated with inconsistent sensitivities to Cd(2+) during larval development.

A topological study of the human gamma-glutamyl carboxylase

gamma-Glutamyl carboxylase (GC), a polytopic membrane protein found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), catalyzes vitamin K-dependent posttranslational modification of glutamate to gamma-carboxyl glutamate. In an attempt to delineate the structure of this important enzyme, in vitro translation and in vivo mapping were used to study its membrane topology. Using terminus-tagged full-length carboxylase, expressed in 293 cells, it was demonstrated that the amino-terminus of the GC is on the cytoplasmic side of the ER, while the carboxyl-terminus is on the lumenal side. In addition, a series of fusions were made to encode each predicted transmembrane domain (TMD) followed by a leader peptidase (Lep) reporter tag, as analyzed by the computer algorithm TOPPRED II. Following in vitro translation of each fusion in the presence of canine microsomes, the topological orientation of the Lep tag was determined by proteinase K digestion and endoglycosidase H (Endo H) cleavage. From the topological orientation of the Lep tag in each fusion, the GC spans the ER membrane at least 5 times, with its N-terminus in the cytoplasm and its C-terminus in the lumen.

Polymorphisms in the coding exons of the human luteinizing hormone receptor gene. Mutations in brief no. 124. Online

Four polymorphisms were identified in the coding exons of the human luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (hLHR) gene. A CTGCAG insertion occurred after nucleotide 54 in 8 of 34 independent chromosomes examined. The heterozygosity frequency was 0.353. This Leu-Gln dipeptide insertion in the first Leucine repeat of the hLHR extracellular domain did not affect the ligand binding affinity of the receptor. Among the 54 chromosomes analyzed, 64.8% was A and 35.2% was G at nucleotide 872 in exon 10. The heterozygosity frequency was 0.115. The A/G substitution led to the replacement of Asn by Ser in the G allele and the abolition of a potential N-glycosylation site. Another polymorphism occurred at nucleotide 935. Fifty nine percent of chromosomes examined were A and 41% were G at this site with the encoded amino acid being Ser in the former and Asn in the latter. The heterozygosity frequency was 0.192. This polymorphism did not have biological consequence. Both of the exon 10 polymorphisms showed ethnic prevalence with the 872 G allele and 935 A allele predominantly in non-Caucasians. The fourth polymorphism was neutral and occurred at nucleotide 1065 in exon 11, with C in 60% and T in 40% of the 50 chromosomes examined. These polymorphisms are useful for tracking the inheritance of specific hLHR allele.

Functional architecture of synapses in the inner retina: segregation of visual signals by stratification of bipolar cell axon terminals

We correlated the morphology of salamander bipolar cells with characteristics of their light responses, recorded under voltage-clamp conditions. Twelve types of bipolar cells were identified, each displaying a unique morphology and level(s) of axon terminal stratification in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and exhibiting light responses that differed with respect to polarity, kinetics, the relative strengths of rod and cone inputs, and characteristics of spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) and IPSCs. In addition to the well known segregation of visual information into ON and OFF channels along the depth of the IPL, we found an overlying mapping of spectral information in this same dimension, with cone signals being transmitted predominantly to the central IPL and rod signals being sent predominantly to the margins of the IPL. The kinetics of bipolar cell responses correlated with this segregation of ON and OFF and of rod and cone information in the IPL. At light offset, rod-dominated cells displayed larger slow cationic current tails and smaller rapid overshoot responses than did cone-dominated cells. sEPSCs were generally absent in depolarizing bipolar cells but present in all hyperpolarizing bipolar cells (HBCs) and larger in rod-dominated HBCs than in cone-dominated HBCs. Inhibitory chloride currents, elicited both at light onset and light offset, tended to be larger for cone-dominated cells than for rod-dominated cells. This orderly segregation of visual signals along the depth of the IPL simplifies the integration of visual information in the retina, and it begins a chain of parallel processing in the visual system.